Tiverton Police arrest woman at casino after 15-month-old child found alone in vehicle

TIVERTON, RI – Tiverton Police officers were dispatched to Bally’s Tiverton Casino around 7:00 a.m. on Saturday following a report of an unattended baby in a parked car.

According to Tiverton Police, responding personnel, assisted by casino security, identified a white Toyota in the upper section of the parking structure. The unlocked vehicle contained a sleeping 15-month-old child secured in a car seat, as well as a small dog.

Vehicle registration records led authorities to Elyse Busch, 35, of Onset, Massachusetts. After examining security camera footage and verifying her identity via her driver’s license, officers found Busch engaged at a slot machine within the casino. Video evidence showed she had been inside for more than half an hour.

Busch was arrested and charged with Child Neglect or Cruelty.

The child was evaluated at Hasbro Children’s Hospital by Tiverton Rescue personnel and subsequently handed over to a relative.

Notifications were sent to the Rhode Island Department of Children, Youth and Families and the Massachusetts Department of Children and Families.

Following arraignment, Busch posted $3,000 surety bail and was released. Her next court date is set for July 17, 2025, in Newport District Court.

The case is still under investigation, with no additional information released.