Mom accused of leaving child in car at Walmart with temps reaching nearly 115 degrees inside

SURPRISE, Ariz. (KPHO/Gray News) — A woman is behind bars after allegedly leaving her child in a hot car over the weekend.

According to the Surprise Police Department, officers responded to a Walmart located near Greenway and Reems roads for a welfare check on Sunday.

The department said 911 received calls about a child who was left alone in a car that was not running.

When crews arrived at the scene, they said the child was clearly distressed.

First responders said they had to force their way into the car to rescue the child as the vehicle’s interior was found to be about 114 degrees.

The child’s mother, Jessica Salazar, was arrested and booked on child neglect and endangerment charges. Police said the child is expected to be OK following the ordeal.

“The Surprise Police Department reminds the community that leaving a child unattended in a vehicle, even for a short time, can have life-threatening consequences,” Sgt. Rick Hernandez said.