A South Georgia mother has been charged after her infant was discovered Monday unattended in a car along with a dog, officials said.
Kianea Gayden, 19, is being held at the Lowndes County Jail. She faces a misdemeanor count of reckless conduct.
Witnesses called Valdosta police about 2:30 Monday afternoon to report a baby had been left alone in a vehicle parked on Norman Drive.
Police said the baby, who is younger than age 1, was in the car for about 20 minutes.
The high temperature in Valdosta that day was 75 degrees, according to The Weather Channel’s website. The low was 38.
Officials with the Valdosta Police Department said the temperature inside the car reached 130 degrees, and that the baby was observed sweating profusely and that the dog appeared agitated.
“The child’s car seat, in this case, had a surface temperature of over 130 degrees, which is an example of why we should never leave any person or animal in a vehicle if they are not capable of caring for themselves. We are extremely grateful to the citizens that observed this danger and quickly contacted us,” said VPD Lt. Scottie Johns.
The baby and pet were determined to be OK after authorities freed them from the vehicle, according to reports.
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