A Nebraska mother is facing charges for allegedly leaving her 3-month-old baby in a pickup truck with windows “partially ajar” as temperatures soared to 90 degrees.
According to the Merrick County Sheriff’s Office, police said that 40-year-old Cara Dugan was riding a horse at the Merrick County Fairgrounds when bystanders heard the baby crying inside the vehicle and intervened.
“The infant was found when a concerned citizen heard the baby’s cries and began systematically searching nearby cars,” police said. “Other citizens on the grounds also assisted in locating and caring for the infant.”
Local 4 reports that, Dugan, from Kearney, was subsequently arrested and taken to the Merrick County Jail. She was booked on one count of child abuse.
Police transported the infant to a local hospital for a wellness check, where it was determined that the child did not have any injuries.
The baby was then placed in the care of the Nebraska Department of Health and Human Services.
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[Feature Photo: Cara Dugan/Merrick County Sheriff’s Office]
