Indy Mom Left Kids In Freezing Car During Job Interview: Police

INDIANAPOLIS, IN -- Indiana State Police want parents to know there are safer options than leaving your children alone in a freezing car after a local mother did just that while she attended a job interview. Fox59 reports the 26-year-old mother allegedly left her four-year-old son and seven-year-old daughter alone in her car in the parking lot at Community Hospital North, as a police report says it was just five-degrees outside the car.

A police report details how the two kids eventually went inside the hospital to the front desk where they "appeared to be cold with a pale skin tone and (were) slightly shivering. The kids advised they were freezing… and walked in on their own because they were cold and scared."

Fox59 adds that according to the report, law enforcement used a laser thermometer to measure the temperature inside the car, which amounted to just 10 degrees.

The mother claims she left her car running, however an officer at the scene reports the windows were frosted over, and according to surveillance video, the deputy calculated the children were alone in the car for one hour and 19 minutes, Fox59 reports.

"No matter what temperature it is, it’s always a bad idea to leave young children in a car by themselves," said Indiana State Police Sgt. John Perrine, according to Fox59. "Hypothermia sets in instantly. As soon as you get in these cold temperatures, in a matter of minutes your body goes into a hypothermic state and it can be detrimental to anyone, especially a child," said Perrine.

Fox59 also reports police said that although arranging child care can be tricky, there are safer options than leaving children alone inside a car at any temperature.

The mother wasn't arrested and was able to take her kids home, however a report was made with CPS and sent to the child abuse division.

"Take the children inside with you. I know finding a babysitter is not always an option, but take them inside. It’s not always convenient, but safety isn’t always convenient and you have to make sure you do things the safe way," said Perrine, according to Fox59.

More details: fox59.com

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