A Florida woman is facing multiple criminal charges after authorities said she left her two young children, including an infant, alone inside a parked SUV on a sweltering summer day while she went into a Walmart to buy PediaSure.
According to the Melbourne Police Department, Lovenia Brooks, 33, was arrested following the July 11 incident outside a Walmart in Melbourne, Florida. She has been charged with two counts of child neglect and cited for several additional traffic and child safety violations.
Concerned Bystander Called 911 After Seeing Children Alone
Police said a concerned passerby noticed two young children sitting alone inside a red Mitsubishi SUV that was parked in a fire lane outside the Walmart. The vehicle was reportedly turned off, though its windows had been left rolled down.
The witness immediately contacted authorities and remained near the SUV until officers arrived. According to the arrest affidavit, one of the children, an infant, was crying and visibly distressed while waiting inside the vehicle.
Investigators said the bystander observed Brooks returning to the SUV about nine minutes after first spotting the unattended children.
Witness Reported Reckless Driving After Mother Returned
According to police, Brooks quickly exited the Walmart, got into the SUV, and drove away before officers could reach her.
The witness told responding officers that Brooks allegedly left the parking area recklessly and nearly collided with another vehicle.
Officers soon located the SUV nearby and initiated a traffic stop.
Officers Found Children Improperly Restrained
During the stop, officers observed both children seated in the back of the SUV.
According to the police affidavit, one child was improperly secured in a rear-facing car seat, while the other child was not restrained at all.
Authorities documented the condition of the children and the seating arrangements as part of their investigation.
Mother Told Police She Went Inside to Buy PediaSure
When questioned, Brooks admitted she had gone into Walmart to purchase PediaSure for one of her children.
Police said she explained that she was “just quickly running inside” and acknowledged that she should have taken the children with her. According to officers, Brooks added that she was simply trying to get one thing done.
Surveillance Video Confirmed Nine-Minute Absence
Investigators reviewed Walmart surveillance footage, which reportedly confirmed that Brooks left the children alone in the SUV for approximately nine minutes.
Police also noted that weather conditions made the situation especially dangerous. According to the report, the temperature in Melbourne reached 96.6 degrees Fahrenheit on July 11, and a heat advisory had been issued for the area.
Authorities emphasized that temperatures inside parked vehicles can rise rapidly, posing serious risks to young children even when windows are partially open.
Additional Violations Issued
In addition to the child neglect charges, Brooks received citations for:
- Leaving children unattended inside a vehicle.
- Failing to properly restrain an infant in a car seat.
- Not wearing a seat belt.
Police said the citations were issued following the traffic stop.
Arrest, Release, and Upcoming Court Appearance
After the investigation, Brooks was taken into custody and transported for a medical evaluation before being booked into the Brevard County Jail.
Jail records indicate she later posted bond and was released on July 13.
She is scheduled to appear in court on August 6 to answer the charges and citations related to the incident.
The allegations remain pending, and Brooks is presumed innocent unless proven guilty in court.
