A North Carolina grandmother allegedly left her 8-month-old granddaughter alone inside a car with the engine off on a 96-degree day while she looked at kittens, authorities said.
Dedra McManus, 50, was arrested on September 3, according to the Union County Sheriff’s Office.
McManus had traveled with friends to Union County Animal Services in Monroe, North Carolina, deputies said.
The grandmother parked her car between two marked sheriff’s vehicles and left the baby behind while entering the adoption area, the sheriff’s office said.
The infant sat alone inside the vehicle with the engine turned off, according to investigators.
When McManus spotted three deputies approaching, she ran back toward the car and dropped her Apple Watch along the way, deputies said.
She then returned inside the building carrying the baby girl, according to authorities.
Deputies reviewed surveillance footage and determined the eight-month-old had been left alone for about 10 minutes, the sheriff’s office said.
Paramedics examined the little girl, who appeared to be okay, officials said. The Department of Social Services took custody of the infant.
McManus allegedly explained that she had missed the Clear the Shelter event held in August, according to investigators.
After deputies arrested her, she still asked whether she could get free kittens, the sheriff’s office said. Deputies declined and took her to jail.
The suspect faces a misdemeanor child abuse charge, authorities said. The charge remains an allegation, and she has not been convicted.
McManus was released from custody on September 4 on a $3,000 secured bond, records show.
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