Waterloo daycare operator charged after toddler found deceased in car seat

WATERLOO – A daycare worker is accused of causing the death of an infant after allegedly strapping him in a car seat.

On June 17, 2015, Waterloo Police Officers and Waterloo Fire personnel were dispatched to an in home daycare at 1415 Bertch Avenue reference an unresponsive toddler. The child, later identified as 18-month-old Brody Harrelson, was transported to Covenant Hospital and was determined to be deceased. According to multiple media reports, the child was found in a car seat and may have asphyxiated while strapped in it.

As a result of this investigation, 41-year-old Amy Hangartner was found to be the daycare provider at this residence during the time of the death. She was arrested for Child Endangerment Resulting in Death on Wednesday, January 13, 2016. Hangartner was subsequently booked at the Black Hawk County Jail for the offense.

According to the Mayo Clinic, “a car seat is designed to protect your child during travel. It’s not for use as a replacement crib in your home.”