Gambler leaves his children in car at casino

A 34-year-old man was arrested Wednesday for allegedly leaving his two children in a running car while he played blackjack in the Parx Casino in Bensalem, a casino spokeswoman confirmed.

Paul Vargas, 34, of Bensalem, allegedly left his children, 7 and 12, and a puppy in his car around 10:15 p.m. and was in the casino for at least 10 minutes. Patrons notified security, who then called Bensalem police, said Carrie Nork Minelli of Parx.

Vargas was charged with two counts of endangering the welfare of a child. Similar incidents this summer involved children being left inside cars for hours while their parents gambled.

   -Robert Moran