Paducah man charged with leaving children in vehicle unattended

A Paducah man was arrested Sunday after authorities say he left children unattended in a vehicle.

Police were called at 8:30 p.m. about two children unattended in a vehicle at Noble Park.

The vehicle was leaving the park when officers arrived, but the driver was stopped.

The man, identified as 24-year-old Malachai G. Bates, was reportedly sweating profusely and said he had just finished playing basketball.

Two children in the vehicle were allegedly also sweating and not properly restrained in child safety seats.

Bates reportedly told police the children had been in the car since 7:30 p.m., but that he left the front windows down. Witnesses said the vehicle was not running and all windows were up.

The girls were taken by ambulance to a local hospital for treatment.

Bates was charged with wanton endangerment.