Mom Accused of Leaving Toddler, Infant in Hot Car while Shoplifting in Walmart
WASHINGTON, N.C. (WITN/Gray News) — A North Carolina woman was arrested after police said she left two young children in a hot car while she shoplifted at a Walmart.
The Washington Police Department responded to a trespassing call at Walmart on Saturday afternoon.
According to arrest warrants, Erika Johnson, 35, was inside the store with her 3-year-old daughter. Johnson was found concealing merchandise in a trash can, the warrants state.
Police said when they were arresting Johnson, the 3-year-old girl spoke up about another child in a vehicle.
According to the warrants, Johnson then gave officers false information about the vehicle's location. Walmart staff reviewed security footage and helped officers identify Johnson's vehicle.
The officers found a 3-month-old and a 2-year-old inside the car. Officials told WITN the children were not moving and were sweating.
The children were taken to the hospital and are reported to be in stable condition.
Johnson is charged with two counts of misdemeanor child abuse, second-degree trespassing, shoplifting, two counts of resisting a public officer, and simple possession of a Schedule III controlled substance.
She is being held at the Beaufort County Detention Center without bond.
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