HARRIS COUNTY, TX- On Thursday, Deputies with Pct. 4 Constable Mark Herman’s Office responded to a report of four young children left alone in a hot vehicle at the Sam’s Club in the 300 block of E. Richey Rd. in north Harris County. Witnesses said the vehicle was running and locked. Three of the four children were screaming, sweating, and looked flushed (red-faced from the heat). Deputies found the vehicle’s air-condition was actually switched “on”, but was only blowing warm air. It was 95 degrees outside at the time of the incident.

The mother, 29-year-old Destiny Morales, returned to the vehicle during the investigation and claimed she was “buying pizza”. Deputies determined Morales left her children unattended inside the vehicle for 46 minutes. EMS also responded and evaluated the children.

“Destiny Morales was arrested and booked into the Harris County Jail, charged with Child Abandonment with Intent to Return. Her bond and court information have not been set at this time,” Constable Mark Herman said.