Police: Man accused of leaving baby outside of Charlotte bar

CHARLOTTE, N.C. — On Tuesday night, a man is in jail accused of leaving a baby alone outside of a bar.

A man reported to police that an 8-month-old child was left unattended outside Courtyard Hooligans Uptown. Eyewitness News spoke with a man on Tuesday who works nearby and saw officers respond.

"I can't believe it; everyone here is really good and usually really careful," said Jeremiah Blanco.

Blanco works close to Courtyard Hooligans Uptown, where a man reported to police that the baby was left unattended on the patio.

Officers arrested Casey Malet, who faces several charges on Tuesday night, including neglect of a juvenile.

The police report said the child was not hurt and that Malet and the baby are related.

Blanco said he saw the flashing lights from police on the scene on Saturday.

"We were really concerned, like why was the baby here," he said.

He said he is upset to hear of the incident and said the whole thing is uncharacteristic for the area.

"We're a close community, all the bars and restaurants, so to have people like that looks bad on everyone who likes to come here," said Blanco.

Eyewitness News checked and Malet is in jail on three charges. Besides the neglect charge, there is also a charge of drug paraphernalia and defrauding an innkeeper.

The bar's owner said that last charge is not related to his bar, and he is just glad that the child is OK and police handled the matter.

WSOC