Man leaves toddler alone in freezing 2-degree garage while working on truck

A man from West Virginia, aged 20, is accused of leaving a young child inside an extremely cold garage for a long time while he worked on his vehicle, causing the child to throw up and have a cough.

According to Ritchie County's court documents, Ian Newlon faced arrest last week with allegations of child neglect that risked severe injury or death.

NBC affiliate WBOY reported the details from a criminal complaint about the February incident when temperatures reached just 2 degrees.

The West Virginia State Police reportedly launched an investigation after two individuals sought a protective order against Newlon.

It is alleged that after the boy had been under his care for an unspecified duration, Newlon handed him over to another guardian.

The child appeared unkempt, wearing a soiled diaper, and was experiencing vomiting and a cough, prompting a hospital visit for care.

Authorities later questioned Newlon, who supposedly admitted to "working on his truck" while leaving the boy inside the garage, which was only heated by a wood stove.

Due to the garage's size and the outdoor temperature, the heat was deemed inadequate, officers noted.

Jail records indicate he posted a $15,000 bail on Tuesday. Newlon was given a public defender, although he hasn't submitted a plea. His forthcoming court date was not mentioned.

The connection between Newlon and the boy was not revealed in the report.