Charges May Be Filed Against Mom Who Left Child In Hot Car On Cape Cod

FALMOUTH, MA — Criminal charges are pending against a mother who left their child unattended inside a car on Cape Cod, Falmouth police said.

On Friday at about 4 p.m., Falmouth Police Department and Fire and Rescue Department officials were dispatched to TJ Maxx at 137 Teaticket Highway for a report of a toddler in a car seat left unattended in a vehicle.

When emergency personnel arrived they located the child unattended in an SUV with the engine off. At the time, the temperature was 78 degrees with full sun, officials said.

No parent was in the area and an officer "was forced to utilize a window break to gain access to the child," police said. The child was evaluated by FFRD and the mother was located inside the store about 5 minutes later.

The Department of Children and Families was notified and criminal charges will be pending, police said.