Clackamas Deputies Retrieve Two Kids From Sweltering Car

It is estimated that the children were exposed to the heat inside the car for at least 25 minutes.

(CLACKAMAS, Ore.) - Clackamas deputies say they freed two unattended kids from a car today at the Costco parking lot on SE 84th. It is reported that the children were in an enclosed vehicle, "with the windows rolled tight" according to Clackamas County Sheriff's Office Spokesman Jim Strovink.

Suspect Gloria Hernandez

He says two concerned citizens who preferred not to be named, contacted the Sheriff's Office to report the unattended kids in a black 1998 Jeep Grand Cherokee.

"This vehicle was located in the lot, with no protective shade, windows rolled tight, doors closed – unlocked, with the vehicle keys visible in the ignition."

Deputy Brad O'Neil arrived on the scene and immediately removed the two female children, a one-year old and a seven-year old, from the excessive interior heat of the vehicle. Deputy O'Neil said, "These girls were hot and perspiring from the interior heat of this enclosed vehicle – the 7 year-old told me she was HOT."

Clackamas Fire District #1 was summoned to the scene to medically evaluate the two children, and provided them with water, while sheltered inside the comfort of an attending air conditioned vehicle.

It is estimated by Deputy O'Neil and witnesses that the children were exposed to the heat inside this enclosed vehicle for at least 25 minutes.

The mother of the children eventually returned to this vehicle. Strovink says she told the deputy she had gone into Costco to pick-up a medical prescription.

29-year old Gloria Elizabeth Lopez-Hernandez of Troutdale, was arrested at the scene and transported to the Clackamas County Sheriff's Office Jail where she was cited and released.

Gloria Elizabeth Lopez-Hernandez has been cited for two counts of Child Neglect; in the Second Degree.

The two children were taken into the protective custody of the Department of Human Services.

Gloria Elizabeth Lopez-Hernandez has a court appearance scheduled for July 26th, 2007, at 3:00 PM in the Clackamas County Circuit Court.

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JAFO; June 30, 2007 8:28 pm (Pacific time)

if we had to have a parenting license none of us would be here! Biology is bigger. Maybe it was like "The Ransom of Red Chief" plot?, Maybe one of the kids knew how to drive?, have they been interrogated yet? Couple of years in Gitmo would straighten them out, if they are the true miscreants of course. As a crawler I distinctly remember trying to start the Dodge push button ignition one time when my Dad left me in the car with the keys! What an opportunity! His reaction was quite animated as I recall, and fortunately was pre-Gitmo or I might still be there! Thank you very much.

Deb June 30, 2007 1:09 am (Pacific time)

I think if I'd seen this situation I would have opened the unlocked door and given the kids a drink and a damp cloth to cool down with. Maybe then I would have called the cops. I wonder what kept the 7 year old from opening the door? Mama left the keys in the ignition... did she hope someone would steal the car and the kids? Too bad we don't have to get a 'Parenting License' before we have children.

Neal Feldman June 29, 2007 8:19 am (Pacific time)

Unfortunate but true there are far too many morons who become parents. Like it would have killed her to take the kids into the store with her. With all the unjustified removals of kids by Gestapo CPS it is cases like this that gives Gestapo CPS 'cover'... cases they can point to to try and justify the 80 % of removals that have no legitimate basis. This woman should be ashamed for giving such criminals the ability to shine, even briefly, as heroes.

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