Child left in running car outside of Twin River casino, mom to face charges

By: News Staff

Email: news@abc6.com

Twitter: @ABC6

LINCOLN, R.I (WLNE) – A woman will face charges after police found her three-month-old in a car located in the Twin River Casino parking lot. 

On Wednesday, August 15, Lincoln Police responded to a report of a child in a parked, running car by Twin River security.

The rear window of the vehicle was open, and police were able to locate the infant who was covered by a blanket in the back seat.

The mother of the infant, 26-year-old Halston Borglund of Cape Cod, responded to the scene and stated that she had "only left the child to retrieve keys in the casino," Police say.

Following an investigation by police and Twin River security, they discovered that the woman had arrived at the casino an hour and a half prior to the report, at 8:28 a.m.

Borglund is set to face charges of Cruelty and Neglect of Child, but was later medically evaluated. Police say she was released from the hospital and won’t be brought to court until she turns herself in.

People at the casino on Wednesday said they were shocked to hear about the incident.

"I’m horrified that anyone would leave a child in the car to begin with," said Susan Burdall. I would assume that in this kind of weather [covering the child with a blanket] you were trying to hide the fact that you were leaving a child in the car.

"I can’t understand what she’s thinking, this woman. A real gambling problem I think," said another man at the casino. "She needs some help. Maybe she’ll get it now, I hope so."

The three-month-old infant was transported to Hasbro Children’s Hospital where they determined the infant to be in fair condition. 

The child is now in the custody of DCYF.

© WLNE-TV / ABC6 2018