An Abbeville woman was arrested on Thursday after police say she left her 9-month-old child locked in a hot car while at Walmart.
Abbeville Police Dept.
Officers say they responded to the complaint around 6:00 pm Thursday.
According to police, the infant was found in a car seat in the back of the vehicle which was not running and had its windows up. Officers say the child was sweating profusely.
Medical personnel were called to the scene as officers worked to unlock the vehicle. Upon removing the infant, police say the child’s mother, identified as 29-year-old Monique Loftin, arrived at the vehicle.
In an interview, police say Loftin allegedly stated that her other daughter was supposed to have been in the vehicle with the infant. Police say Loftin later stated that she forgot that she had dropped her older daughter off with family and that she was not in the vehicle with the infant.
Loftin was arrested and booked on a charge of Cruelty to a Juvenile.
Loftin was also booked on a charge of Possession of Schedule II Drugs after police say she was found to be in possession of Amphetamine and Dextroamphetamine pills. She is currently housed at the Vermilion Parish Correctional Center.
Police say ice packs were used by paramedics to cool the infant down. The infant was transported to Abbeville General Hospital and treated for heat related issues.
The Louisiana Department of Child and Family Services were contacted and have started their own investigation into the incident. Officials say a family member has temporary custody of the infant.
