A couple from Indianapolis is facing charges of child neglect after allegedly leaving their two children locked in their SUV without air conditioning, while they went shopping at Walmart. According to the police, the incident occurred when temperatures were in the mid-90s.
According to court documents reviewed by Fox 59, the Lawrence police have estimated that the temperature inside the Ford SUV had reached a scorching 125 degrees when a passerby in the parking lot discovered the children and immediately dialed 911 around 7 p.m.
Mirianne Pierre and Watson Joseph, both 31, have been taken into custody and are now being held at the Marion County jail. They are facing charges of neglecting a dependent, according to the report. Both individuals have successfully posted bond following their arrest on Monday, as indicated by online records.
According to the outlet, one of the two children was perspiring heavily from the head and neck when they were rescued, while the other seemed disoriented. According to authorities, both individuals were placed under the custody of the Department of Child Services.
Upon reaching their vehicle, both parents coincidentally encountered the police, who noted their apparent confusion regarding the situation, as stated in a probable cause affidavit reviewed by FOX News.
According to reports, Pierre mentioned to detectives that she spent some time in the store, and Joseph came inside to assist her with some heavy items. According to the documents, she stated that her SUV continued running for an extra five minutes even without the key nearby.
However, after examining surveillance footage, the police discovered that the couple entered the store at approximately 6:27 p.m. As a result, the children were left unattended for a duration of 45 minutes, according to the affidavit.
Paramedics assessed the children on-site and determined that they were in good health, although they did have higher than normal blood pressure for their ages, according to the police.
The Indianapolis Metropolitan Police Department (IMPD) did not conduct an investigation into the matter, but they did issue a reminder to parents about the importance of never leaving their children unattended in vehicles.
Foster Parents Arrested after Cops Found Child with Severe Bruising all over the Body in Indiana