Child Tied in Hot Car As Couple Dines

[Joanie Baloney]

Source: Associated Press

CHATTANOOGA, Tenn. -- Investigators found a crying 6-year-old boy tied up in a sweltering car at a suburban restaurant after employees reported seeing a man take the child outside and return without him to finish eating.

Police believe the boy, whose name was not released, was tied up for about 30 minutes while the outside temperature was in the 80s Saturday in Ringgold, Ga., about 13 miles southeast of Chattanooga, Sgt. John Gass said Tuesday.

"He was sitting up in between the two front seats and he was crying," Gass said. "He had a rope tied to one of his ankles. The child was just sweating, just soaking."

The boy's mother, Rachel Gilchrist, 35, and her companion, Raymond Minchew, 61, both of Sandy Springs, Ga., were arrested Saturday and charged with cruelty to children and concealing a weapon. Police found a handgun in the car.



Read more: http://www.newsday.com/news/nationworld/wire/sns-ap-child-tied-in-car,0,1515769.story?coll=sns-ap-nationworld-headlines

---

This took place in a Cracker Barrel restaurant.

JB

[Drum]

1. Cracker Barrel employees

reported the crime. Props where due, just saying.

[MindPilot]

2. They tied the kid up in a hot car with a handgun...shitheads

Kudos to the employees who sounded the alarm. I still think Cracker Barrel is the most appropriately named restaurant chain ever.

[Liberal Veteran]

3. ROTFLMAO!

:rofl:

[bunkerbuster1]

6. In case anyone's unaware of Cracker Barrel's hiring policies...

whoa, wait a minute. Guess they've changed, huh?

from http://www.crackerbarrel.com/mediaroom.cfm?doc_id=1154#nine:

Cracker Barrel prohibits discrimination and harassment of any kind. Our policies and procedures clearly outline how this behavior has no place in our company. Our commitment is clearly detailed in hiring, orientation and training materials, and those policies are instilled and reinforced through repeated training and communications

In addition, we have systems in place to encourage guests and employees to report any concerns about service or the workplace environment. Both guests and employees can be assured that we will take their claim seriously, investigate it fully and reach a conclusion. When necessary, we take prompt remedial action to correct the behavior that’s seen as unprofessional and disrespectful.

Cracker Barrel also does not tolerate discrimination on the basis of a person’s sexual orientation. Our company’s Equal Employment Opportunity Statement clearly states that all employment opportunities are open to all qualified applicants solely on the basis of their experience, aptitude, and abilities.

I'll admit it--this is news to me. Never eaten in a Cracker Barrel, and I resolved never to do so after hearing of their hiring policies, years ago. Maybe I could with a clearer conscience, now?

[Wiregrass Willie]

7. They are good

I'll admit it--this is news to me. Never eaten in a Cracker Barrel, and I resolved never to do so after hearing of their hiring policies, years ago. Maybe I could with a clearer conscience, now?

If you like down-home, country, Southern type food, Cracker Barrel is hard to beat. I haven't had their lunches or dinners -- but for a great breakfast try their eggs and sausage with biscuit and gravy. Delicious !

[Rosemary2205]

8. For the record

the nearest cracker barrel to me has a very integrated customer and employee base.

[ninkasi]

4. This is so horrific

My husband and I were talking today about how the children in our family, our grandchildren, and great-nephews, are so doted on, and indulged. Not one of us would ever, for a second, think of leaving a little 6 year old alone, sweltering, in a car while we stuffed our faces. I think I'll take our family's method of raising children any day.

Regardless of whatever else happens in our family's children's lives, they well know how loved and precious they are to us all. Our little ones are our source of joy, and hope. Everything we do, is in their best interests. I can't understand people who mistreat these little ones. We are very family oriented, and the vast majority of our friendships are with other family members. Nobody has to worry about being homeless, or hungry, because all of the rest of us would pitch in, and do whatever necessary to help them.

Cruelty to children is the worst thing in the world, as far as I'm concerned.

[Javaman]

5. I was just in Home Depot yesterday...

While waiting in line, a mildly frantic woman said she needed to check out because she left her child in the car. It was 90 degrees outside. I saw an employee look at her then rush outside. I didn't see what happened next.

Home freakin Depot! They have those child friendly carts that look like race cars there. Bring the kid in! I just don't get it.