Sonoma County Mom Accused Of Leaving Baby In Car, Evading Arrest

SANTA ROSA, CA — Police in Santa Rosa are looking for a woman who reportedly left her 18-month-old child in a vehicle while trying to flee from police early Friday morning.

Melissa Doyle, 34, of Santa Rosa, is wanted on suspicion of felony child endangerment and evading arrest, according to the Santa Rosa Police Department.

On Friday at 1:20 a.m., officers responded to the area of Madrus Rose Street and Winterhaven Avenue on a report of a suspicious vehicle.

Police said a resident called and reported someone was parked in a white minivan and was playing loud music.

A responding officer contacted the driver, later identified as Doyle, and noticed there was an infant strapped into a rear car seat inside the vehicle.

Police said Doyle initially appeared to be sleeping, refused to comply with an officer and roll down her window, showed signs of intoxication and ultimately started her vehicle and drove away.

Additional officers responded to the area, and about 10 minutes later, they located the minivan parked several blocks away. Police said Doyle had fled from the vehicle on foot and left the 18-month-old child strapped in the rear car seat inside the vehicle.

Officers gained entry into the vehicle and took custody of the infant, who was cold, crying and had no warm clothing on. The infant was then transferred to a hospital for evaluation and was ultimately released into the care of a family member.

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