Hendersonville couple charged after leaving baby alone in car to go shopping

Sierra Rains
·2 min read
2

HENDERSONVILLE, Tenn. (WKRN) — A Hendersonville couple was arrested Sunday after police said they left their baby alone inside a car to go shopping.

After receiving a call on Sunday, April 28, an officer with the Hendersonville Police Department (HPD) reportedly found the infant in a car seat inside the vehicle in the 1100 block of Forest Retreat Road, near Costco.

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Police said the car was not running and its doors were locked. The Hendersonville Fire Department arrived on the scene less than a minute after the officer and firefighters were able to unlock the vehicle.

The infant was evaluated and taken to a local hospital, where officials said the child began receiving medical care. It’s unclear what the baby’s current condition is. Officials said the child is less than a month old.

Olvia Vargas (Courtesy: Hendersonville Police Department)
Olvia Vargas (Courtesy: Hendersonville Police Department)
Luis Suarez (Courtesy: Hendersonville Police Department)
Luis Suarez (Courtesy: Hendersonville Police Department)

After the baby was rescued from the car, authorities said they quickly found and arrested the infant’s parents, 40-year-old Luis Suarez and 36-year-old Olvia Vargas, who were inside shopping at the time.

They each have been charged with one count of aggravated child abuse and neglect and one count of leaving a child unattended in a motor vehicle. Both are scheduled to appear in General Sessions Court at 9 a.m. on May 13.

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“The Hendersonville Police Department wants to remind everyone to never leave a child unattended inside a vehicle,” police said in a news release regarding the arrests. “Parents and caregivers should make it a habit to check the back seat whenever they exit their vehicle.”

Anyone who does see a child left alone in an unattended vehicle should call 911 immediately as “children and hot cars can be a deadly combination,” officials said.

The investigation into Sunday’s incident is ongoing and authorities are asking anyone with further information to contact the HPD at 615-822-1111 or the Hendersonville Crime Stoppers at 615-594-4113. Tips can also be submitted using the P3 Tips Mobile Application.

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