MUNCIE — Two people from Oklahoma were arrested on neglect and theft charges after their kids were found unconscious and unresponsive inside a car with high levels of carbon monoxide, according to court documents.
Muncie Police Department officers found a 2-year-old and 8-year-old child inside the car around 12:15 p.m. Friday at Walmart north, in the 4800 block of West Clara Lane.
With assistance from the Muncie Fire Department, officers determined the carbon monoxide level inside the car was nearly 500 parts per million, according to probable cause affidavits. The fire department told an officer a reading of 7 parts per million is dangerous and would trigger carbon monoxide alarms.
The kids were taken to IU Health Ball Memorial Hospital where medical staff told police both children had high carbon monoxide levels in their blood, according to the affidavits.
During their investigation, detectives found a 26-year-old woman and a 41-year-old man were inside the store for nearly an hour and stole clothing, according to the affidavits.
The woman told a detective she was only trying to get clothing for her children because they didn't have any, according to the affidavits. The woman also told police she was aware her car has issues with the exhaust and her catalytic converter was stolen.
The woman said they left the kids in the car while they went inside the store because the 2-year-old was sleeping, according to the affidavits.
Both the man and woman were preliminarily charged with two counts of neglect of a dependent and one count of theft, according to court documents.
Formal charges haven't been filed, according to online court records. WRTV doesn't name suspects until formal charges have been filed.
-
Veteran helps others avoid homelessness after facing near eviction
The organization helps veterans achieve housing stability through what it describes as a comprehensive and holistic person-centered approach that addresses the root causes of Veteran housing crises.
IU Health patient thanks doctor with a tattoo tribute after spinal surgery
Two years ago, Sorrell began having trouble walking. After undergoing surgery to treat a rare cyst in the space around the spinal cord, he has more than just words to express his gratitude.
IMPD & ISP increase patrols to crack down on drunk driving this holiday season
IMPD and Indiana State Police want you to have a good time with friends and family but warn of the consequences of drinking and driving.
Indiana State Parks offer free Black Friday admission for Opt Outside Day
Does the hustle and bustle of the holiday shopping season become overwhelming? Indiana DNR is offering a solution to this with their Opt Outside Day on Black Friday.
