Woman charged after leaving child in hot car during grocery trip

Laredo police say 5-year-old was left alone in 100-degree heat while mother shopped.

Apr. 8, 2026 at 4:53pm

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An extreme close-up photograph of a car key fob against a pitch-black background, lit by a harsh, direct camera flash, creating a stark, gritty, investigative aesthetic.A harsh flash photograph of a car key fob highlights the grave dangers of leaving young children unattended in vehicles, even for a short time.Laredo Today

A 37-year-old woman was arrested in Laredo, Texas after allegedly leaving her 5-year-old son alone in a hot car while she went grocery shopping. Police say the child was found crying inside the vehicle, which was turned off with the temperature reaching 100 degrees Fahrenheit at the time.

Why it matters

This incident highlights the serious risks and legal consequences of leaving children unattended in vehicles, especially during extreme heat. Authorities emphasize the importance of child safety and the need for greater public awareness around this issue.

The details

According to police, officers responded to a report of a child inside a vehicle in the parking lot of a grocery store on South U.S. 83 in Laredo. A store employee found the 5-year-old boy crying inside a black Nissan Altima with the back-left window opened about 1 inch. The vehicle was turned off, and the temperature at the time was 100 degrees Fahrenheit. The child was able to unlock the car after an officer's direction. Authorities identified the child's mother as 37-year-old Linda Abrego de Robles, who was inside the store grocery shopping. Abrego de Robles was charged with abandoning or endangering a child with intent to return, a state jail felony.

  • On March 27, 2026, police responded to the incident at around 3:29 p.m.
  • The temperature at the time of the officers' arrival was 100 degrees Fahrenheit.

The players

Linda Abrego de Robles

A 37-year-old woman who was arrested and charged with abandoning or endangering a child with intent to return, a state jail felony, after allegedly leaving her 5-year-old son alone in a hot car while she went grocery shopping.

Laredo Police Department

The law enforcement agency that responded to the report of a child left alone in a vehicle and arrested the child's mother.

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What’s next

The judge will determine if Abrego de Robles will be allowed to post bail and the conditions of her release.

The takeaway

This case underscores the importance of child safety and the need for greater public awareness around the dangers of leaving children unattended in vehicles, particularly during hot weather when temperatures can quickly become life-threatening.