Police: Man arrested after leaving 3-year-old son in unheated car at Twin River Casino Hotel

The Rhode Island State Police announce that members of the Gaming Enforcement Unit, Lincoln Barracks and Lincoln Police Department arrested a Providence resident for Cruelty to or Neglect of a Child and Obstructing an Officer in Execution of Duty.

On February 29, 2020, members of the State Police Gaming Enforcement Unit were advised by casino patrons who observed a three-year old autistic child abandoned in a vehicle in the parking lot of the Twin River Casino Hotel. The investigation revealed that Mitchell Cuevas, age 38, of 33 Clematis Street, Providence, Rhode Island left his son alone in his locked vehicle and entered the Twin River Casino in order to pass wages at the sports book within Twin River. The child was left unattended with no heat in 35-degree weather for approximately one-half hour. Further investigation revealed that Cuevas identified himself as the child’s father; however, he provided false information about the identity of the child and the child’s mother to investigators.

Once positively identified, the Rhode Island Department of Children, Youth and Families was notified, and the child was turned over to his mother.

Cuevas was arraigned at the Lincoln Woods Barracks, processed and released on $2,000.00 surety bail.

Any person found guilty of Cruelty to or Neglect of a Child shall be imprisoned for not less than one year nor more than three years or be fined not exceeding one thousand dollars, or both. Any person found guilty of Obstructing an Officer in Execution of Duty shall be imprisoned not exceeding one year or be fined not exceeding five hundred dollars.