Florida Woman Arrested for Leaving Child Unattended in Hot Car

Orlando, FL - A 63-year-old Longwood woman was arrested on Monday for child neglect after leaving a 2-year-old unattended in a hot car.

According to the Volusia County Sheriff's Office, Elena Grady left the child alone in a parked car at a Publix supermarket in Ormond Beach around 3:00 pm.

The vehicle was not running and was parked in direct sunlight with outside temperatures exceeding 90 degrees.

Store personnel noticed the child and, concerned about the child's well-being, retrieved the child from the car and brought them inside.

The Sheriff's Office reports the child appeared overheated but fortunately recovered and was unharmed.

Florida law prohibits leaving a child under the age of 6 unattended in a vehicle for more than 15 minutes, regardless of outside temperature.

Leaving a car in direct sunlight on a hot day can quickly lead to dangerous interior temperatures.

Grady was charged with child neglect and released on bond from the Volusia County Branch Jail.

The Volusia County Sheriff's Office reminds everyone to "avoid tragedy" by never leaving children, pets, or vulnerable adults unattended in hot vehicles.