Mom Leaves Kids in Running Car to Shop: Police

Mom leaves two children in running car

Another South Florida mother took the senseless risk of leaving their kids in the car and now she is in trouble with the law.

Hialeah police arrested 21-year-old Rebecca Garcia, who ran inside a TJ Maxx Monday afternoon, but left her 5-year-old and 5-month old children in the car with it running.

Garcia has been charged with two counts of child neglect. The children have been placed in state custody, but could be handed over to their respective fathers.

The Department of Children and Families said they have investigated Garcia several times in the past.

The woman parked the car in a handicapped parking spot in front of the store and went inside. That's when a passerby called police. Police said the children were in the car for at least 15 minutes.

When authorities arrived, the children were fine and the air conditioning was on in the car and the doors were unlocked. Garcia walked out of the store about five minutes later and said she was the parent.

She also has a suspended license, but won't be charged for that because she was not caught operating the vehicle, authorities said.

Garcia bonded out around 9:30 p.m. Monday, and told reporters it was just a mistake.

"I don't know what I was thinking, but all I know is I'm never gonna do that again, it'll never happen again, never, ever, ever," said Garcia. "I learned my lesson and I love my kids, it's not like I tried to neglect my children, cause I love them to death and I'll do whatever for them."

Things could have went horribly wrong, as has been the case with other situations of children being left in vehicles in South Florida.

Last month, a carjacker stole a running vehicle in Miami with a child inside. The suspect eventually ditched the van and left the kid unharmed.

At least two children have died after being left in hot vehicles in South Florida, but even despite the highly-publicized incidents, parents continue to leave or forget children in hot cars.

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