Palmdale man arrested after toddler stops breathing at park, later dies
The father of the young boy who died after being found unresponsive at a Palmdale park has been arrested, the Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department announced on Thursday.
Deputies responded to Melville J. Courson Park, located at 38226 10th Street East, shortly before 9 a.m. on Wednesday and made contact with the boy’s father, who, according to investigators, said his son was suffering from a medical emergency.
The boy, believed to be around two years old, later died at a local hospital.
Shaffer Grindstaff, 29, was arrested on suspicion of accessory to conceal a crime and child endangerment.
“The cause of death at this time is unknown and will be determined by the County of Los Angeles Medical Examiner,” the sheriff’s department said.
Neighbors said the child lived with his father in an apartment complex across the street from the park.
“The police who came knocking at my door asked if we had cameras and if we saw anything, but we told them no,” a neighbor, Destiny Tibbs, told KTLA 5 News.
Anyone with information about this incident is urged to contact the Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department’s Homicide Bureau at (323) 890-5500.
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