A Kentucky father is facing charges after allegedly leaving his baby daughter unattended in a bathtub while he was distracted on his phone.
The Incident
Police in Covington responded on Tuesday, May 26, to a report of an unresponsive infant in an apartment. The baby girl had been left in a bathtub filled with water for about five minutes. When found, she was not breathing and appeared unresponsive.
According to the arrest report, 20-year-old Seffan Mederious told police he had been in another room scrolling on his phone. When he returned to the bathroom, he discovered his daughter floating in the water. He then went to a relative’s home, who called 911.
The baby was rushed to Cincinnati Children’s Hospital and is expected to make a full recovery.
Flight and Arrest
Kenton County Commonwealth’s Attorney Rob Sanders said Mederious fled the scene after the incident. Police later found him hiding at a nearby relative’s residence. He did not stay to assist first responders or check on his daughter at the hospital.
Charges and Court Proceedings
Mederious has been charged with wanton endangerment and criminal ab*se. He appeared in court on Wednesday, May 27, for a preliminary hearing. The case is expected to proceed to a grand jury.
Community Response
Officials emphasized the seriousness of the case and the importance of child safety. While acknowledging that parents may make mistakes, authorities noted that actions putting a child at serious risk of injury or death will have legal consequences.
