The father of a child found abandoned inside a car parked in a lot outside of the Orange County Jail's visitation center on Sunday has been arrested, according to Orange County sheriff's deputies.

Johnny Hawk Jr., 51, left his child in a car while he was visiting a friend at the jail, according to officials. Hawk did not return to the vehicle in the time that it took firefighters to remove the child, sheriff's deputies said.

The child was taken to a hospital for observation and Hawk showed up there later on Sunday and was arrested on charges of child abandonment, deputies said.

The baby is now in state custody.

Firefighters said the situation was avoidable and are reminding parents who may be thinking about leaving their child that there are places to turn to without being punished. Florida fire stations and hospitals will accept any newborn child up to 3 days old, with no questions asked.

"Our goal is to eliminate children being abandoned in dangerous situations and give them a safe place. Too often a mother is scared when faced with an unexpected baby. She can leave a child with personnel at any station anonymously." said Battalion Chief Jose Gainza, who oversees the department's emergency medical services.

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