HARRIS COUNTY, Texas (KTRK) — A mother was arrested and charged after a 4-year-old child was left alone in a hot vehicle at a Costco in northwest Harris County on Sunday, investigators said.
A hot vehicle rescue in northwest Harris County led to an arrest after deputies said a 4-year-old child was left alone inside a parked car. The incident happened Sunday afternoon, June 21, at a Costco in the 26900 block of Northwest Freeway.
Deputies Respond to Hot Vehicle Rescue Call
According to the Harris County Precinct 4 Constable’s Office, deputies responded to the store after receiving a report about a child left unattended inside a vehicle.
When deputies arrived, authorities said they found that the vehicle was turned off and not running. Officials said concerned citizens had already acted and removed the child from the car.
Emergency medical personnel responded to the scene and evaluated the child. Authorities said EMS helped cool the child down after the rescue.
Investigators later determined the child had been left alone in the vehicle for about 30 minutes, according to Precinct 4 officials.
Mother Arrested After Returning to Vehicle
Authorities said the child’s mother returned to the vehicle a short time later from inside the Costco. Precinct 4 identified her as Vannie Nguyen.
Nguyen was arrested and booked into the Harris County Jail, officials said. She was charged with child abandonment with intent to return.
The charge means investigators believe the child was left alone, but the adult intended to come back. The case will move through the court process, where the charge must be proven.
Officials Warn About Hot Car Dangers
Constable Mark Herman warned the public about the danger of leaving children or pets inside vehicles, even for a short time.
“Temperatures inside a vehicle can rise dangerously fast, even within minutes,” Herman said. “Never leave children or pets unattended inside a vehicle.”
Safety experts have long warned that parked cars can heat up quickly, especially during Texas summers. Even when outdoor temperatures seem manageable, the inside of a vehicle can become dangerous in minutes.
Children face a higher risk because their bodies heat up faster than adults. They may also be unable to unlock doors, open windows, or call for help.
Community Action Helped Protect the Child
Authorities credited the quick actions of concerned citizens who removed the child before deputies arrived. Their response helped get the child out of the hot vehicle and into medical care.
Officials continue to urge residents to call 911 immediately if they see a child or pet left alone in a vehicle. Fast action can help prevent serious injury or death.
The incident also serves as a reminder for parents and caregivers to check the back seat before leaving a vehicle. A short errand can quickly become dangerous in extreme heat.
As summer temperatures continue across Texas, officials are asking families to stay alert and take every precaution. Children and pets should never be left unattended inside parked vehicles.
This story comes from our news partner ABC13 Houston.