What offense occurs when a parent leaves their 5-year-old alone in a running car?

The scenario described fits the definition of leaving a child in a vehicle, which is a specific offense under the law. Leaving a 5-year-old alone in a running car can lead to various dangerous situations, such as the child accidentally causing the vehicle to move, becoming overheated, or being at risk of abduction. This act can be considered a clear violation of laws designed to protect the safety and well-being of minors.

While child endangerment could also apply here due to the potential risk to the child's safety, "leaving a child in a vehicle" is the more precise legal term for this specific action. It addresses the act directly and highlights the legal responsibility of the caregiver in this situation. Negligence refers to a broader concept of failing to take proper care, but it doesn't pinpoint the exact behavior in this scenario as effectively as the designated offense of leaving a child in a vehicle. Therefore, focusing on the act itself aligns best with the correct categorization of the offense.