Janica Nielson said she spotted the boy inside the car while leaving the Century 16 Theaters in the early hours Sunday, The Salt Lake Tribune reported Tuesday.

"He was wearing a T-shirt that was completely soaked, and a blanket," Nielson said. "You could tell he was dehydrated and he could hardly breathe. The temperature inside the car was really stuffy."

Police said the temperature was 87 degrees inside the car when they broke into the vehicle to rescue the boy.

Detective Gary Keller of the South Salt Lake Police Department said the boy was thirsty but in good condition after police removed him from the vehicle. He was returned to his mother.

The boy's father, David Farnham, 23, was arrested on suspicion of child abuse. He was taken to the Salt Lake County Jail in lieu of $50,000 bail.