Indianapolis Man Sentenced for Leaving Child in Hot Car at Mall

Carson Collins pleaded guilty to felony neglect and was ordered to complete parenting classes.

Published on Feb. 27, 2026

Got story updates? Submit your updates here. ›

A 24-year-old Indianapolis man was sentenced to two years in prison after pleading guilty to leaving an infant in a locked, hot car while he went into the Greenwood Park Mall to get cash and buy sunglasses. The child was unharmed, but the car's internal temperature reached 124 degrees.

Why it matters

This case highlights the serious dangers of leaving children unattended in vehicles, even for a short period of time. Extreme heat can quickly become life-threatening, and this incident raises concerns about parental responsibility and the need for greater public awareness around child safety.

The details

On June 28, 2025, a good Samaritan called 911 after finding an infant asleep in the backseat of a locked car at the Greenwood Park Mall. The car was not running, and all the windows and doors were closed. When police arrived, they determined the internal temperature of the car was 124 degrees, with an outside temperature of 85 degrees. Thankfully, the child was unharmed. Carson Collins, the infant's father, returned to the car about 20 minutes later and told officers he had gone into the mall to get cash and buy sunglasses.

  • On June 28, 2025, the incident occurred at the Greenwood Park Mall.
  • On February 27, 2026, Collins was sentenced to two years in prison.

The players

Carson Collins

A 24-year-old Indianapolis man who pleaded guilty to felony neglect of a dependent for leaving an infant in a hot car while he went into the mall.

Greenwood Police Department

The law enforcement agency that responded to the 911 call and rescued the infant from the hot car.

Got photos? Submit your photos here. ›

What’s next

Collins was ordered to complete parenting classes during his two-year probation period following his release from prison.

The takeaway

This case serves as a tragic reminder of the importance of never leaving children unattended in vehicles, even for a short period of time. It highlights the need for greater public education and awareness around the life-threatening dangers of hot cars, as well as the importance of parental responsibility and accountability.