Police: Toddler Left in Car While Mom Went Shopping

Moorestown Police say an 18-month-old boy was left unattended in the backseat of a car while his mother went shopping Friday afternoon.

Patrols responded to the parking lot of the Kmart shopping center on Route 38 around 1:30 p.m. after receiving a call from a concerned shopper who noticed the child in the backseat, said Sgt. Lee Lieber.

The windows of the vehicle were slightly open and police were able to unlock the vehicle, said Lieber, who estimated the boy was left alone for 20 to 30 minutes.

"The child was crying ... but he wasn't in any medical distress," he said.

Police tracked down the mother, who hails from Riverton, but did not press charges, Lieber said. They did however refer the case to the state Department of Children and Families, which indicated it would contact the mother before the end of the day Friday.

Lieber said if there are any charges, they'll come from the state.

"Obviously it's not proper for you to leave children or pets unattended in a vehicle," he said. "Even if it's not too hot, a locked vehicle can quickly become an oven."