Woman Charged After Infant Left in Hot Car
A 4-month-old was treated for heat exhaustion after being found unattended in a vehicle at a Green Bay Walmart.
Updated on Oct. 13, 2026 in Babies
Selena Buckner was charged with child neglect after leaving her 4-month-old child in a parked vehicle for nearly an hour on Monday. The infant was treated for possible heat exhaustion after being discovered by passersby at the West Mason Street Walmart.
Why it matters
The incident underscores the life-threatening risks of leaving children unattended in vehicles, especially as the infant suffered physical symptoms of heat exposure during the nearly 50-minute interval.
Surveillance footage confirmed the 25-year-old mother was inside the store for 52 minutes, spanning from 1:13 p.m. to 2:05 p.m. The child remained in the parked vehicle for approximately 50 minutes before being discovered.
The players
Selena Buckner
The 25-year-old defendant faces charges of child neglect and resisting or obstructing an officer.
Walmart
The retail location on West Mason Street in Green Bay served as the site of the incident.
The details
Passerby intervention was required to open the unlocked vehicle and begin cooling the infant, who was found sweating, red, and crying. The mother told authorities she did not believe she would be in the store long and was not feeling well during the incident.
Timeline
Monday, October 12, 2026: Infant left inside parked vehicle at Walmart.
1:13 p.m. to 2:05 p.m.: Duration the mother was inside the store.
Tuesday, October 13, 2026: Defendant charged and scheduled for initial appearance.
Culture Shift
This incident aligns with the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration's vehicle heatstroke prevention guidelines regarding the dangers of high temperatures in parked vehicles. It reflects a persistent societal focus on child safety and the legal consequences for negligent supervision in public spaces.
Local shoppers should be aware that leaving children in parked cars can lead to immediate law enforcement intervention and criminal prosecution. Residents are encouraged to remain vigilant in parking lots and contact 911 if they observe an unattended infant in distress.
The takeaway
Leaving a child in a vehicle for even short periods can lead to rapid heat accumulation and severe medical distress. Parents and caregivers should ensure children are never left alone, regardless of expected time inside a store.
Further reading
For more on local parenting safety standards, visit Babies.
