Disabled man locked in car by son dies

Police say anelderly, disabled man died after his son left him and his motherfor at least three hours in a locked car with the windows rolledup. Peekskill police arrested 48-year-old Theodore Pressman

News 12 Staff

May 28, 2014, 6:56 PM

Updated 3,626 days ago

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Disabled man locked in car by son dies
Police say anelderly, disabled man died after his son left him and his motherfor at least three hours in a locked car with the windows rolledup. Peekskill police arrested 48-year-old Theodore Pressman of Beacon on a charge of reckless endangerment. They say he could face additional charges in the death of his 85-year-old father, Joseph.
Police say Pressman left his father and 75-year-old mother, Joyce, in a car in Peekskill Monday afternoon. They say Joseph's medical conditions kept him from getting out. However, Joyce was found outside of the car. Authorities say Joyce's condition prevented her from getting her husband out of the vehicle.
Police say when Pressman returned to the car, his father was listless.He called police. His mother was taken to a hospital for treatmentof a heat-related illness, but his father died.
Police believe the incident was not intentional, saying Pressman often left his parents in businesses while he went to work at a bus company.
"He was really overwhelmed, but it always seemed like he was doing everything he could and he cared for them," says Atruim Café owner Rick Tocco. Tocco says Pressman often left his parents at the café and would return for them.
Pressman was arraigned Tuesday and is being held on $10,000 cash or bond. He's due in court Thursday. Police say the reckless endangerment charge could be upgraded, since the death was ruled a homicide.
Dutchess County officials are caring for Joyce Pressman.


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