Deschutes deputy DA cited, on leave after leaving baby in car

A Deschutes County deputy district attorney has been charged with child neglect and is on administrative leave after police found his baby boy in the back seat of his car, whom he apparently forgot when he went to work, DA John Hummel said Tuesday.

Police issued Evander McIver a citation for a misdemeanor charge of second-degree child neglect last Friday after officers discovered his son, whom he’d left sleeping in his car seat in the car, which was parked near the DA’s office, Hummel said.

“Fortunately, the child was uninjured and in excellent health,” the district attorney said.

The matter is being reviewed by the Oregon Department of Justice, according to Hummel, who has placed McIver on administrative leave while the investigation is underway.

“Van McIver is a former naval aviator and one of my most valued deputy attorneys,” Hummel said in a statement. “My thoughts are with him and his family during this difficult time. I trust Attorney General (Ellen) Rosenblum will give this matter the attention it deserves and will render the appropriate decision. “

A spokeswoman for Rosenblum said she could provide no further details at this stage of the investigation.

McIver, who joined the DA’s office in 2007, also issued a public statement through the DA’s office, which reads:

“As every parent of young children knows, sleep can be hard to come by. Last Thursday, our morning routine changed and after dropping off two children at school, I went straight to work on autopilot and left my son in his car seat in the back of my car.”

“Thankfully, Bend police responded and my son is just fine,” McIver said. “This is the worst mistake of my life and I fully realize this could have turned out differently. No matter the fallout with respect to me, I am beyond grateful that my son is happy and healthy. “