BISMARCK -- A 40-year-old Bismarck man was charged with felony child neglect Wednesday, after a toddler was found unconscious by a swimming pool in Bismarck the night before.
Police allege Rolland Noheart was supposed to be caring for the 18-month-old, but did not immediately come to the child's rescue after he fell into an apartment building pool.
Video surveillance shows Noheart glance over twice as the child struggled in the water, according to police. The man allegedly pulled the child out of the pool with one arm after a bystander got his attention; the baby had already gone limp. He apparently sat the child on the concrete ledge and allowed the baby to fall over and strike his head.
When officers arrived, the baby was unconscious but breathing, and bystanders were giving first aid, police said.
The baby was taken to a local hospital by ambulance and placed in the intensive care unit, according to police. It was not immediately clear whether the baby would suffer lifelong consequences.
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Noheart is expected to make an initial appearance in court on Thursday morning.
