Houston, TX – A 29-year-old nurse was arrested after her 1-year-old infant was found alone in an unlocked car while she ate inside a restaurant, according to Houston Police.
Sally Zamora was charged with abandoning a child and was granted a personal recognizance bond following her arrest.
Incident Details
Witnesses reported seeing the infant inside the vehicle at around 3:55 p.m. Monday at a restaurant off the Northwest Freeway. The car’s doors were unlocked, but the engine was running and the air conditioner was on.
Zamora, who had been dining at Mambo’s Seafood with her husband and other children, had been monitoring the baby through a camera inside the car, court records show.
The temperature in Houston reached 97°F that afternoon, raising concerns about the safety of the child left in the vehicle.
Mother’s Explanation
Zamora told police that the child had been left alone for more than an hour and she did not realize the car was unlocked. She also admitted that she did not physically check on the baby, relying solely on the camera to monitor the child’s safety.
Reports from Click2Houston suggest that alcohol may have been a contributing factor to the incident, though the specifics were not confirmed.
Child’s Condition and Charges
Fortunately, the child was not injured. The case has raised significant concerns about leaving young children unattended in vehicles, especially during high temperatures.
Zamora was charged with abandoning a child and has been ordered to enroll in a parenting class as a condition of her bond. She must complete the class within 30 days.
Dangers of Leaving Children in Unattended Vehicles
Experts warn that leaving children unattended in a vehicle, even with the engine running and air conditioning on, can lead to dangerous consequences. A child’s body temperature rises faster than an adult’s, and temperatures inside a car can escalate even with the windows cracked or the air conditioner running.
Officials urge parents and guardians to never leave children unattended in vehicles, especially during hot weather.
What measures do you think should be taken to prevent situations like this from happening in Houston and across the country? Share your thoughts with us.
