Two Parents Arrested After Infant Left in Unattended Vehicle

April 29, 2024 – Two parents have been arrested after an infant was left unattended in Hendersonville over the weekend.

On April 28, 2024, the Hendersonville Police Department was notified of a child left unattended inside a vehicle in the 1100 block of Forest Retreat Rd. Upon arriving at the scene, the officer found the vehicle was not running, its doors were locked, and an infant in a car seat inside the vehicle. Hendersonville Fire Department arrived on the scene less than one minute after the officer and unlocked the vehicle.

The 24-day-old infant was retrieved from the vehicle, immediately evaluated, and transported to the hospital, where it began receiving medical care.

The Hendersonville Police Department quickly located and arrested the parents of the infant, Luis Suarez (40) and Olvia Vargas (36), who were inside shopping at the time. They each were 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 on May 13, 2024, at 9 am.

The Hendersonville Police Department wants to remind everyone to never leave a child unattended inside a vehicle. Parents and caregivers should make it a habit to check the back seat whenever they exit their vehicle. It is important to note that if you see a child left alone in an unattended vehicle, you should call 911 immediately. Children and hot cars can be a deadly combination.

Police ask anyone with information on this case to please call and report the information to the Hendersonville Police Department at (615) 822-1111 or the Hendersonville Crime Stoppers at (615) 594-4113. Tips may also be submitted using the P3 Tips Mobile Application.

Source: Hendersonville Police Department