Abilene Woman Cited for Leaving Children in a Hot Car

ABILENE – An Abilene woman was issued a citation Monday for leaving her children inside her vehicle at an Abilene PetSmart.

According to reports, Abilene police responded to the 3500 block of Catclaw Drive on Monday at about 6:00 p.m. a welfare check. One of the calls referenced a young boy revving the engine and no guardians or parents could be found.

While police were investigating, the defendant, Michaela Barker came outside and contacted the officers. Barker allegedly admitted to leaving her children, 7-years-old and 14 months old, alone. She was issued a citation for leaving a child under 7 in a car for longer than 5 minutes.

No arrest was made as this was not a felony charge.

Temperatures in Abilene have been around 100 degrees Fahrenheit.