VIDEO: Dad puts toddler in washing machine, turns it on

A surveillance camera at a laundromat captures a frightening incident on video. WARNING: VIDEO BELOW IS DISTURBING.

A couple put their toddler in a washing machine, presumably to scare him. But then they turned the washing machine on. Unfortunately, the machine had an auto-lock system and trapped the toddler insider while the washer starts to run.

The child tumbled helplessly in the machine while water was pouring in. The video clearly shows the parents trying to open the locked door and then searching for help.

Eventually an attendant was able to open the machine -- and get the child out.

The child suffered only minor injuries -- and is safe.