Man charged after putting infant in oven www.privateofficer.com

PADUCAH, Ky. March 16 2010 (AP) – Authorities in western Kentucky say a man left his infant son in a cold oven, probably for a matter of hours.

The Paducah Sun reported 33-year-old Larry C. Long told police he had smoked marijuana at a Paducah restaurant where he works and then came home and drank alcohol.

McCracken County Sheriff Jon Hayden said the mother of the 5-week-old boy was awakened by his cries Monday morning and found him the oven. Hayden said the baby was taken to a hospital where doctors found no injuries.

Long shares the home with the child’s mother, 33-year-old Brandy S. Hatton.

The newspaper reported child welfare officials placed the infant and his 10- and 14-year-old siblings in the care of 1 of Hatton’s relatives.

Long is charged with wanton endangerment.