A North Carolina man was criminally charged for allegedly leaving a disabled man in a hot car on Tuesday, resulting in his death.
Rogers Inge Jr., 55, reportedly told Johnston County police that he brought Dontarious Batts, 22, to work with him at Cleveland High School. Inge said he left Batts in the car with the windows up and engine off — though Batts appeared fine when he checked on him at 10 a.m., according to WXII.
Inge allegedly found Batts dead when he returned to his car at around 4 p.m. He reportedly drove to a fire station and called 911 while en route. Deputies discovered Batts deceased in the vehicle at the fire station, leading to Inge’s arrest, according to WRAL.
Inge said he was a custodian at the high school. According to WNCN, an investigation revealed that Inge was also Batts’ full-time caretaker through Universal Health Care. WRAL reported that Batts had special needs and was unable to care for himself.
Inge is charged with involuntary manslaughter. His bond was set at $35,000.
WRAL reported that Inge is no longer employed by the school district. An autopsy is pending.
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[Feature Photo: Johnston County Jail]
