Crime & Safety

Viral Video Sparks Child Endangerment Allegations In Temecula; Community Lashes Out Without All Facts

As police investigate, the video alone does not confirm certain key facts, but that has not stopped many in the online community from making harsh comments.

A video allegedly shot in Temecula that accuses a woman of leaving her children in a car unattended during hot weather is being investigated by police.

Sgt. Lisa McConnell of the Riverside County Sheriff’s Department confirmed that Temecula police are aware of the video and are investigating.

The video that has gone viral on Facebook was allegedly shot during the afternoon of Sept. 4 at 31950 Temecula Parkway.

Find out what's happening in Temeculawith free, real-time updates from Patch.

While the approximately 30-second video shows a woman walking to her car in a parking lot, it is not clear who or what may be in the vehicle.

The person videoing the scene audibly accuses the woman of leaving children unattended in a hot car that is parked in a handicap spot.

Find out what's happening in Temeculawith free, real-time updates from Patch.

As police investigate, the video alone does not confirm certain key facts, but that has not stopped many in the online community from condemning the woman.

Firstly, the footage alone does not confirm children were definitely in the vehicle, how old they may have been, or how long they may have been there; whether the air conditioning was running in the car while it was parked; and whether a handicap placard may have been displayed on the rear-view mirror, dashboard, or driver’s side front window.

There are laws regarding children unattended in vehicles. Under California Vehicle Code 15620 (a), “A parent, legal guardian, or other person responsible for a child who is 6 years of age or younger may not leave that child inside a motor vehicle without being subject to the supervision of a person who is 12 years of age or older, under either of the following circumstances:

(1) Where there are conditions that present a significant risk to the child's health or safety.

(2) When the vehicle's engine is running or the vehicle's keys are in the ignition, or both.”

If and when updates on this incident become available from police, Patch will post.



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