Photo: Merrick County Sherriff's office
A Nebraska mother faces child abuse charges after allegedly leaving her 3-month-old baby unattended in a hot car while she attended a county fair, authorities announced. Cara Dugan, 40, was arrested on Saturday, August 24, at the Merrick County Fairgrounds, where the incident occurred. According to a statement from the Merrick County Sheriff’s Office, authorities were called to the fairgrounds around 1:30 p.m. after reports surfaced that an infant had been left alone in a vehicle.
The sheriff’s office detailed that the 3-month-old was discovered after someone heard the baby crying and decided to investigate. The Good Samaritan searched several vehicles in the area before locating the infant in a pickup truck. According to the authorities, Dugan had allegedly left her baby in the truck with the engine off and the windows partially open for “a substantial amount of time.”
During the time the baby was left alone, Dugan was reportedly inside a nearby building, riding a horse, according to the sheriff’s office. Following the discovery, she was arrested and transported to the Merrick County Jail, where she was booked on one count of felony child abuse. As of now, it remains unclear whether Dugan has entered a plea or retained legal representation to speak on her behalf.
The infant, whose gender has not been disclosed, was immediately evaluated by medical staff at a local hospital. Fortunately, the baby was found to be unharmed despite the dangerous situation. The child has since been placed under the care of the Nebraska Department of Health and Human Services, told Daily Mail.
The sheriff’s office also noted that temperatures in the area reached up to 90 degrees Fahrenheit on the day of the incident, further highlighting the potential danger the infant faced.
This case serves as a stark reminder of the risks associated with leaving children in vehicles, especially during hot weather. Even with partially open windows, the temperature inside a car can rise rapidly, creating life-threatening conditions for anyone inside, particularly vulnerable infants.
Authorities continue to investigate the incident, and Dugan’s legal proceedings are expected to unfold in the coming weeks. The situation has sparked concern within the community, as many reflect on the importance of child safety, especially in extreme weather conditions.
