(Photo courtesy of Maricopa County Sheriff's Office)

Paul Armand Rater

A Buckeye man was accused of leaving his 5-year-old granddaughter alone in the desert with a loaded handgun.

Paul Armand Rater, 53, told authorities he took his granddaughter for a ride in the desert in his new pickup truck Sunday. The vehicle got stuck, he said, and they had to walk for help because he left his cellphone at home.

Rater said he then left the girl under a tree with a gun when she couldn't walk anymore. A helicopter later located girl, who was not hurt.

Rater was found eating and drinking at a restaurant, officials said.

Maricopa County authorities said Rater was being held on suspicion of two counts of child abuse and one count of child endangerment. His bond was set at $25,000.

The Associated Press contributed to this report.