Greenwood couple accused of leaving child in hot car pleads not guilty

GREENWOOD, Ark. (KNWA/KFTA) — A Greenwood couple accused of leaving a child in a hot car earlier this month has pleaded not guilty, according to court documents.

David Carver, 61, and Brenda Carver, 57, of Greenwood, were arrested on July 6 on an endangering the welfare of a minor charge.

Fort Smith police responded to a Walmart on North 62nd Street around 3:48 p.m. on July 6 in reference to a minor in a hot car.

Officers said the child was in distress and sweating, according to the department. An officer busted the driver’s side window to unlock the vehicle and EMS was on the scene providing medical care.

David Carver told officers the vehicle belonged to him. He was placed into handcuffs and as he was being taken to the patrol vehicle, he reportedly told the arresting officer he was sorry multiple times, according to the report.

He was asked if anyone else was with him and said his wife was in the store. His wife Brenda Carver was also placed under arrest.

Surveillance footage showed the couple arrive in the parking lot at 3:39 p.m. and enter the store at 3:40 p.m. Officers are seen at 3:54 p.m. busting the window.

Both were released from the Sebastian County Detention Center on July 11 on a $2,000 bond. Their trial has been set for December 2.

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