Authorities said the heat index exceeded 100 degrees that day.
ST. PETERSBURG, Fla. — A St. Petersburg woman was arrested after deputies say she left a 14-year-old and a 1-year-old child inside a hot vehicle while she went into a Target store and stole merchandise.
Valerie Coleman, 35, was charged with petit theft and two counts of child neglect following the incident at the Target located at 4450 Park St. N. in St. Petersburg, according to arrest affidavits filed by the Pinellas County Sheriff’s Office.
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Investigators said Coleman entered the store and used a motorized cart while selecting multiple items, including clothing and electronics. She concealed the merchandise in her purse and passed all points of sale without attempting to pay.
Loss prevention personnel stopped Coleman after observing the incident on live surveillance cameras. Deputies said the stolen items were valued at $219.32.
While investigating the shoplifting incident, deputies learned Coleman had left two children alone in her vehicle. According to affidavits, Coleman turned off the engine and left the children inside without air conditioning or supervision before entering the store.
Authorities said the heat index that day exceeded 100 degrees.
When deputies located the children, both were reportedly suffering from the effects of the heat. The 1-year-old child appeared to be overheating and was evaluated by fire rescue personnel before being transported to Johns Hopkins All Children’s Hospital for examination. The 14-year-old also told deputies he was very hot.
Deputies noted that Coleman left her keys inside the car. According to arrest documents, Coleman refused to answer investigators’ questions following her arrest.