Merced mother arrested after child found left in car, almost unconscious
A Merced woman was arrested Friday on suspicion of felony child abuse after allegedly leaving her child in a car.
Merced County sheriff's deputies responded to a report of a child left in a car in the 2400 block of Beachwood Drive. A Child Protective Services employee had found the child after conducting a follow-up at the residence for previous allegations of neglect.
The child was sweating profusely and nearly unconscious, according to the Sheriff’s Office.
The child was put in the care of a family member after receiving medical care. A spokesperson for the Sheriff’s Office did not know the age of the child or how long the child was left in the car.
The mother, 26-year-old Elizabeth Arms, who was inside the residence, was arrested and booked into the Merced County Jail.
“The outcome in this incident could have been very different if the child had not been found in time,” reads the press release. “This is a stark reminder that a vehicle’s temperature can rise to dangerous levels within minutes, even on a mild day. Please always check for your children before leaving your vehicle.”
The investigation is still ongoing. Those with information are encouraged to contact the Merced County Sheriff’s Office at 209-385-7445.
