Elena Grady (VSO) A Florida grandmother faces child neglect charges after allegedly leaving her 2-year-old granddaughter unattended in a hot car f
A Florida grandmother faces child neglect charges after allegedly leaving her 2-year-old granddaughter unattended in a hot car for over 15 minutes while she shopped at a Publix grocery store.
According to the Volusia County Sheriff’s Office, deputies responded to the Publix on Roscommon Drive in Ormond Beach on Tuesday afternoon after reports of a child alone in a parked car.
The outside temperature at the time was a scorching 91 degrees Fahrenheit, with a heat index of 101 degrees.
Read: Florida On The Verge Of Legal Weed: Amendment 3 Heats Up Sunshine State
Thankfully, the child was reportedly unharmed. However, authorities identified the grandmother as 63-year-old Elena Grady of Longwood.
She was arrested and charged with child neglect and was later released after posting bond.
The incident serves as a stark reminder of the dangers of leaving children unattended in vehicles, even for a short period. Florida law prohibits leaving a child under the age of 6 unattended in a car for more than 15 minutes, regardless of the outside temperature.
Here are some additional details from the Sheriff’s Office:
- The car was parked in direct sunlight and the windows were only cracked slightly.
- Publix staff noticed the child and took her inside before contacting authorities.
- The Sheriff’s Office is reminding residents to “Never leave children, pets, or vulnerable adults in a hot vehicle, even for a few minutes.”
Help support the Tampa Free Press by making any small donation by clicking here.
Android Users, Click To Download The Tampa Free Press App And Never Miss A Story. Follow Us On Facebook and Twitter. Sign up for our free newsletter.
