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 HernandezHe 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.
Strovink says no further medical attention was required for the children.
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.
Clackamas Deputies Retrieve Two Kids From Sweltering CarSalem-News.com