An Ohio man has been charged after he allegedly “physically restrained” his toddler in a “cruel manner” and headed to work.
Joshua Merz, 35, was charged with two counts of child endangerment after his father called 911 on April 8 to report the incident.
Investigators said Merz “recklessly physically restrained” the 2-year-old special needs child in a “cruel manner or for a prolonged period” inside a “filthy and potentially dangerous home.”
The boy was reportedly left alone in a bedroom for up to seven hours while Merz was at work.
“There is never a reason to leave a 2-year-old child home alone,” Prosecutor Connie Pillich said.
“It’s our job to make sure those who cannot speak for themselves are protected. And that’s exactly what we will do in this case.”
Merz’s father told local news outlets that he placed the call that sent police to his son’s home.
“It’s heartbreaking – it’s the hardest thing I ever had to do in my life. But it was the right thing to do, and Josh knows that,” Bruce Merz said.
“He made a mistake, and we all have to live with it now.”
