An Indiana man has been charged after police say he left his four young children alone inside a hot vehicle with no working air conditioning while he went into a Walmart, leaving the children overheated and in distress.
Eric Andrews Jr. was arrested on July 10 and now faces four felony counts of neglect of a dependent, according to court records.
Children Found Alone in Walmart Parking Lot
The incident occurred at a Walmart located at 5835 W. 10th Street in Indianapolis, near Interstate 465.
According to the Indianapolis Metropolitan Police Department, officers were dispatched to the store after an off-duty law enforcement officer working security discovered four young children alone inside a parked vehicle.
The children were 1, 3, 3, and 4 years old.
Court documents state that all four children were “profusely sweating” when they were found. One child was lying asleep on the vehicle’s floorboard.
Although the vehicle’s engine was reportedly running, investigators said the air conditioning was not operating, and the windows were only slightly cracked, providing limited ventilation.
Officers Struggled to Wake One Child
Police said officers initially had difficulty waking the child, who was sleeping on the floorboard. Authorities did not specify whether the child’s condition was caused by the heat, but the situation prompted an immediate emergency response.
Paramedics were called to the scene to examine all four children.
Fortunately, none of the children required hospitalization after being evaluated.
Parents Returned During Investigation
While officers were investigating, Andrews and the children’s mother returned to the vehicle.
According to court documents, the children’s mother—who has not been charged—became uncooperative and agitated during the encounter.
Police said Andrews attempted to calm her while officers continued their investigation.
The couple acknowledged they were the children’s parents and told officers they had only been away from the vehicle for a short period while shopping.
They also admitted that the vehicle’s air conditioning system was not working.
Surveillance Video Supported Investigation
Investigators later obtained surveillance footage from Walmart as part of the investigation.
After reviewing the video and gathering evidence, police arrested Andrews on four felony counts of neglect of a dependent.
Authorities have not announced any criminal charges against the children’s mother.
Children Released to Family Member
Following their medical evaluation, the children were released into the care of a family member who arrived at the Walmart later that day.
Officials said none of the children suffered injuries requiring hospital treatment.
Court Proceedings
Andrews was booked into the Marion County Adult Intake Center before later posting bond.
He is scheduled to appear in court on Aug. 31 for a pretrial conference as the criminal case moves forward.
Investigation Continues
The investigation remains ongoing. Authorities continue to warn parents and caregivers that leaving young children unattended inside vehicles—even with windows partially open or the engine running—can quickly create dangerous conditions if the air conditioning is not functioning properly. Police say such situations can place children at serious risk, particularly during warm weather.
