According to court documents, on the evening of April 6 authorities responded to a report of a child walking near a street on the northwest side without supervision. A witness stated she saw cars slamming on their brakes to avoid hitting the child, and that she picked up the child and carried her to safety.
Police say the 20-month-old child was barefoot with bruises and blisters on her feet, as well as mosquito bites on her arms.
Court documents state police questioned Rafael Armando Garcia, who told them that he lived in an apartment with the toddler's father. Police say Garcia told the dad that he would watch the little girl while he was out, but Garcia says he fell asleep.
According to police, Garcia says he was unaware the toddler had left the apartment, but that he knew the girl was capable of leaving the apartment, saying, "She always does this."
Garcia, 22, is charged with endangering a child. Bond has been set at $15,000.
He was convicted of theft in 2010, according to court records.
