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

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.

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.

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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