A Florida mom allegedly left her two young kids unattended inside a stolen vehicle that later burst into flames while she was shoplifting at a nearby mall, Fox 35 reports.
Authorities say 24-year-old Alicia Moore parked outside a Dillard’s department store at the Oviedo Mall near Orlando and allegedly left her two children, ages 2 and 4, inside the vehicle. Moore then went into the retailer with a man for the purpose of shoplifting.
“While inside Dillard’s, loss prevention (employees) observed Moore and another unknown male begin to shoplift items. They were watched by security for approximately one hour,” an arrest report states, according to WESH-TV.
When Moore walked toward the store’s exit and saw that the vehicle was on fire, she reportedly dropped the stolen goods and ran out of the building toward the burning vehicle, according to Fox 35.
One of the children was able to open a door and a passersby who saw the vehicle on fire rescued them. Both kids were hospitalized and one suffered first-degree burns on her face and ears.
Officials released dramatic video of the white sedan engulfed in flames and 911 calls about the incident.
Moore is facing charges of aggravated child neglect and arson. Even though investigators have not formally determined what led to the fire, Moore has been charged with arson because the fire ignited while she was allegedly committing a felony, according to WESH-TV.
The children may have had access to a lighter or some other igniting device, the City of Oviedo’s communications manager told Fox 35.
On Friday, Moore was in court and pleaded not guilty to both charges.
Moore had also been wanted on outstanding warrants for unrelated matters. Authorities in Sumter County had an active warrant against Moore for charges of petty theft and battery of a person 65 years or older. In Orange County, Moore was wanted for attempting to elude enforcement with sirens and fleeing.
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[Feature Photo via City of Oviedo]
