Parents Accused Of Leaving Girl, 7, In Hot Vehicle

STUART, Fla. - WPBF.com

Martin County sheriff's deputies have arrested a husband and wife accused of leaving their newborn baby in a hot vehicle.

Walter Lugo and Monica Alastra were arrested Monday on child neglect charges.

Deputies were called to a report of an infant left unattended in a vehicle outside the Joanne's Fabrics in Jensen Beach.

When deputies arrived, they found a 7-month-old girl inside a parked Toyota minivan with the doors unlocked and the windows rolled up.

Witnesses said the child had been left in the vehicle for about 30 minutes.

Deputies said the parents were inside the store shopping with their 3-year-old child at the time.

According to the arrest affidavit, Lugo and Alastra told deputies they used poor judgment and didn't know what they were thinking when they left the girl alone in the vehicle.

Deputies said the child was OK, although her clothing was damp from perspiration.

Most Popular Stories at WPBF

• South Florida Priest, Former Stripper Battle In Court
• Acreage Girl Is New Sickle Cell Poster Child
• Stuart Couple Has Stolen Military Medals Replaced
• Victim In Pahokee Save-A-Lot Shooting Dies
• 1 Person Ejected In Crash On I-95

MORE FROM WPBF-TV

WPBF-TV Section Front

Jewelry Store Owner Charged With Faking Robbery St. Lucie County Jail Officials Reveal OxyContin Epidemic Local Stores: Safety Measures In Place For Black Friday Fire Destroys Fort Pierce Automotive Store Students Enjoy Spirit Of The Season WPBF-TV Section Front   Add WPBF-TV headlines to your news reader: