Q: So how does a major retail chain handle a PR snafu that could have killed a child in their parking lot?

A: Why, by throwing the store's manager under the bus, of course!

Linens retailer says manager erred to not help
September 09, 2008 07:25 EDT

LEXINGTON, Ky. (AP) -- A Fayette County official said he is researching whether a retail chain could be charged after one it its managers failed to help when a child was found in a hot car.

The Lexington Herald Leader quoted First Assistant County Attorney Brian Mattone as saying he is reviewing state statute on whether Bed Bath & Beyond could be charged.

Police said a manager refused a Danville couple's request for the store to call 911 after they discovered 3-year-old Ryan Patel in a locked van in the store parking lot, saying it was the company's policy not to become involved in parking lot incidents.

In a written statement from its corporate headquarters in New Jersey, Bed Bath & Beyond said the manager misunderstood its policy and the company would retrain employees.

The couple called for help and the child was rescued on Saturday.

Tanuja R. Patel, the boy's mother, was arraigned Monday in Fayette District Court, pleading not guilty to first-degree wanton endangerment.