Police charged a Jacksonville woman with child neglect and theft after she left a child in a hot car while shoplifting at a Publix on the Northside.
A woman from Jacksonville, employed as a student transportation monitor, is now facing charges of child neglect and theft. Police allege she left a child locked in a sweltering car while she committed shoplifting at a Publix store on the city’s Northside.
Authorities took Destiny James, 27, into custody on August 21 after arriving at a Publix parking lot to discover a child inside a non-operational Honda Pilot. In the incident report, James is listed as a student transportation monitor.
The report details that the child was sweating heavily and breathing with difficulty as outside temperatures soared to 91 degrees. Police could not ascertain James’s relation to the child.
Jacksonville Fire and Rescue Department personnel rescued the child from the SUV around 10:37 a.m. The child initially appeared troubled but soon improved and was given medical clearance.
Footage from surveillance cameras showed that James entered the Publix at approximately 10:09 a.m. Investigators report she spent over half an hour inside the store, loading a cart with items before bypassing all checkout counters.
Police say she loaded the trunk with $234 worth of stolen groceries before realizing the child was no longer in the vehicle.
Officers searched James’ vehicle with her consent and recovered the stolen items.
The arrest report indicates James told emergency responders she was only inside briefly, though her account changed several times according to the police. Investigators noted she expressed remorse for her actions.
James was taken into custody and later released on bond. She is awaiting her next court appearance.
Local parent and grandparent Linda Coleman said the incident is a reminder that leaving a child in a vehicle is never safe.
“I don’t think they should ever be left in the car for any amount of time because you never know what’s going to happen while you leave, and it’s just totally irresponsible,” Coleman said. “I just can’t imagine how people leave a child. I wouldn’t even leave an animal in the car.”
Florida’s Good Samaritan Law
Under section 768.139, Florida Statutes, bystanders may legally intervene if they see a child or pet trapped in a hot vehicle. To qualify for immunity from vehicle damage, they must:
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Confirm the vehicle is locked and no other way exists to remove the child or animal.
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Have a reasonable belief that entry is necessary because of imminent danger.
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Call 911 before or immediately after entering the vehicle.
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Use only the force necessary to enter.
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Stay with the child or animal until first responders arrive.
Officials urge anyone who finds a child locked in a hot car to call 911 immediately.
