Oklahoma mother arrested, accused of leaving baby in hot car at liquor store

Credit: DaytonDailyNews

Police arrested a woman Wednesday night accused of leaving her 14-month-old child in a hot car at a liquor store in Owasso, Oklahoma.

Officers responded to reports of a small child locked inside a car at Owasso Wine and Liquor around 6:30 p.m.

Police were told while they were on the way that the car was not running and the child looked to be in distress.

Officers saved the 14-month-old baby, who they say was only wearing a wet diaper and showed signs of medical distress. The temperature at the time was 88 degrees with a heat index of 91 degrees.

Police say the baby's mother -- 24-year-old Gretchen Markovics -- was leaving the liquor store and was questioned by officers on the scene.

According to police and witness reports, the baby was likely alone in the car for 15-20 minutes.

Owasso police arrested Markovics, who now faces charges of child endangerment.

The baby was taken to a hospital then released into the custody of the Oklahoma Department of Human Services.

About the Author