By Cathy Locke
clocke@sacbee.com
A Rancho Cordova couple have been arrested after reportedly leaving an infant in a car for 2 1/2 hours while they gambled at Thunder Valley Casino.
A casino security guard was credited with saving the 7-week-old child from potential harm Tuesday night. The temperature in the parking garage was recorded at 54 degrees, and the baby was dressed in a one-piece, sleeveless cotton garment, according to a Placer County Sheriff's Department news release.
Thuan Nguyen (top left photo) and Panfila Pho Phan (right photo), both 27, were arrested on suspicion of willful child endangerment as they returned to the car about 8 p.m.
The security guard was on a bicycle patrol on the parking garage's third floor when he noticed a car parked off to the side, about 100 yards from other vehicles. Inside, he saw a baby's car seat covered with a blanket. When the security guard pushed on the car to make it move, he saw what he believed to be a baby's hand moving and immediately called the Sheriff's Department.
Concerned about the infant's welfare, the guard pried open the front door enough to reach inside and unlock the door, the news release said.
The child was checked by casino medical personnel and taken to the security office before being turned over to the Placer County Children's System of Care.
As deputies were attempting to locate the car's driver, Nguyen and Phan returned to the vehicle and were arrested. Phan first told deputies that they had been in the casino for only a few minutes to use the restroom, but she changed her story when told that they were seen earlier on surveillance systems inside the casino.
Both Nguyen and Phan remain in jail on $50,000 bail each. They are to be arraigned at 8:30 a.m. Friday.
Call The Bee's Cathy Locke, (916) 321-5287.









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