Onset woman leaves infant, dog in hot car at Rhode Island casino

Elyse Busch, 35, of Onset was arrested Saturday, July 12 after leaving a 15-month-old baby and a dog in a hot car while in a Tiverton, Rhode Island casino.

Upon arriving at Bally’s Casino, Tiverton police officers, along with casino security personnel, located a white Toyota parked on the upper level of the casino’s parking garage. The vehicle was found unlocked and officers discovered the infant asleep in a car seat, along with a small dog.

The surveillance video confirmed Busch had been inside the casino for over thirty minutes. 

The infant was transported by Tiverton Rescue to Hasbro Children’s Hospital for evaluation. The child was later released to a family member.

The dog was brought to the Potter League Animal Shelter in Middletown, Rhode Island and later claimed by a family member of Busch.

A check of the vehicle’s registration identified Busch as the owner. Officers reviewed surveillance footage and, using identification obtained from Busch’s driver’s license, located her inside the casino playing a slot machine. 

Busch was charged with cruelty to, or neglect of a child and released on $3,000 surety bail. She is scheduled to appear in Newport District Court on Thursday, July 17, 2025.

The incident remains under investigation.