Update: Baby Left in Burning Apartment

CHARLOTTE, NC– We’re learning more about a wanted man police say left a baby in a burning apartment and ran out.

CMPD is searching for Rodney Travis Williston, Jr.

WCCB Charlotte captured video of firefighters and medic during the rescue of a baby boy, not even one-year-old, from a burning apartment.

“It’s very sad,” said Ivy Deloatch. “The mother, I hope she thinks twice about where she leaves her baby.”

Neighbors point out, Williston had no problem getting out of the Lanecrest Dr. apartment Wednesday night, leaving the baby behind in the flames.

Police say he was trying to escape an arrest warrant.

Williston is 21-years-old. CMPD will not confirm reports that he’s the father, but deputies have been trying to serve him with a warrant for contributing to the delinquency of a minor. That’s not his first warrant.

WCCB Charlotte obtained Williston’s criminal record from Mecklenburg County. He’s faced 24 charges, mostly assault on a female, battery of an unborn child. The District Attorney had to dismiss all but two: conspiracy to break and enter and crime against nature.

So, when unattended food on the stove went up in flames, he ran without the baby to avoid arrest, police say.

“That’s fear. When we see somebody doing something as reprehensible as that, that is the result of fear,” said Kedar Ptah-El. “The apprehension people have with the system and police contact is so high.”

Ptah-El works with Shabazz-El Foundation, a group that sometimes works with those going through the criminal justice system.

The District Attorney declined to comment about a defendant still facing charges.

The apartment complex would not comment.

“I pray for the family that it’s okay, that the baby is okay.” said Deloatch. “I pray for the mother that she is okay.”
If you’ve seen Williston or know where he is, call 911.