NICHOLAS FINCH
Police had to break into a car to rescue a “visibly distressed” severely autistic man who was allegedly left locked in a car by his carer for nearly an hour at a Perth shopping centre on a sweltering day.
Western Australia police officers rescued the 26-year-old man – who lives with severe autism and is non-verbal – after a passer-by saw him in the car parked outside at Lakeside Joondalup Shopping Centre in Perth at 2.30pm on January 12.
He had allegedly been left buckled in the back seat with only the front windows partially open about 1.40pm.
Police also allege the 37-year-old care support worker used cash from his client’s wallet without permission to purchase food items.
Police had to break into the car to get the man to safety. Picture: Supplied
The mean maximum temperature in Western Australia on the day was 39C. Picture: BOM
“About 2.30pm, a concerned member of the public alerted security, who contacted emergency services,” police said in a statement.
“Upon arrival, police located the 26-year-old visibly distressed and heat-affected with his seat belt buckled.”
Police broke into the car to rescue the man who was then taken to Joondalup Health Campus. He was released later that night.
“The care support worker eventually returned to the vehicle and spoke with police,” a WA Police statement said.
“Following inquiries, a 37-year-old man was charged with endanger life, health or safety of a person, and stealing as a servant.”
He is expected to appear in Joondalup Magistrates Court on March 8.