Local man arrested at Ironman for leaving son unattended
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BUFFALO, N.Y. (WIVB) -- A man from Kenmore was arrested mid-race at Ironman Lake Placid after he left his 9-year-old son alone for nearly 10 hours while he ran the race, police said.
The man said the situation was taken out of context and that he never intended to put his son in danger.
Harley Tong and his son traveled to Lake Placid a few weeks ago for Tong to take part in an Ironman. Tong's older son was not able to attend, leaving Tong struggling to find someone to watch his younger son. He said he approached two Ironman volunteers, and they gave his son a VIP pass.
"She (volunteer) looked at me and said you're not allowed to not finish," said Tong. "They knew about the legacy program and that it was my son's first event and I truly believe that all of the best intentions were to give him a phenomenal experience."
Tong said unfortunately that did not happen. Due to weather and some mechanical mishaps, Tong faced major delays while out on the course.
According to a police report obtained by WIVB News 4, Lake Placid Police received two separate reports claiming the child had been left unattended. When officers arrived, they found the 9-year-old under a table.
The police investigation determined Tong was away from his son for roughly 10 hours while he attempted to complete the race. Tong said that's not the case.
"He wasn't alone," said Tong. "We had been, throughout the whole week, talking with all of the volunteers and Ironman staff."
Police ended up pulling Tong out of the race. Officers asked him a few questions, and despite explaining the circumstances, Tong was taken into police custody. He was charged with endangering the welfare of a child.
"It's a series of unfortunate events and a misunderstanding," said Tong. "Hopefully we will be able to get it all corrected."
Despite some frustration, Tong knows everyone was just doing their jobs. He said he has learned his lesson for the future.
"There is definitely going to be a party of three anywhere I go now it seems," said Tong.
Tong was released the same day he was charged but is due back in Lake Placid Village Court on Aug. 7.
Trina Catterson joined the News 4 team in 2024. She previously worked at WETM-TV in Elmira, a sister station of WIVB. See more of her work here.