Toddler was left in a hot car during a shopping trip — one act from customers saved her life

The little girl was crying and screaming inside the car and managed to catch the attention of people passing by.

PUBLISHED JUL 9, 2025

(L) A kid left alone in a car on a sunny day (Representative Cover Image Source: Getty | Cavan Images). (R) Strangers standing close to a parked car. (Cover Image Source: YouTube | A&E)

Awareness and help from strangers at the right time often end up saving a person's life. A toddler was at the receiving end of this wholesome gesture when a group of strangers came to her rescue because she was stuck inside a car on a hot day. The temperature was 90 degrees and the girl was inside a parked car at a store in New Jersey. Several strangers gathered around the vehicle after they felt they heard cries from the minivan. The vehicle was locked and the people tried their best to get the girl out before they called for help, per A&E.

A distressed kid crying in a car. Representative Image Source: Getty Images | Melinda Podor

"Somebody left their baby in the car," one of the shoppers mentioned as they stood near the parked car. The toddler was strapped in a car seat inside a locked car. She was distressed, alone and crying when the strangers came in. Two people were trying to get to her or to the lock through the windows that were slightly open, but with no luck. "Baby, don't cry, we are going to get you out, alright?" one of the people tried to reassure the baby. They had called the police the moment they noticed the baby and were trying to get her out in some way, in the meantime. Some of them even thought of ripping the rear window to get the child out.

A police officer looking inside a car. Representative Image Source: Getty Images | Peter Dazeley

Soon enough, the cops arrived on the scene to get the baby out of the car. A cop broke the rear window and got inside the car to get to the baby. Another cop got inside to hold the kid and comfort her as they got out of the car. They asked where the kid's mom was. "I think they are shopping," a bystander answered. "We just discovered her about 10 minutes ago and we notified the manager." Several people came forth to comfort the child as a cop held onto her and asked for water. "She's soaking wet," the cop holding the crying baby remarked. The kid was really sweaty, but was okay otherwise. The mom arrived moments later with a shopping cart and another kid.

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"Is this your kid? You left her in the car," the cop told the mom. The woman apologized, but the cop knew she had to take action against her for negligence. The mom was arrested and charged with child endangerment. She was released on her own recognizance and the child was placed in the father's custody after that. Many people praised the officers and strangers for their actions in the comments section of the video. @alisonfowler8193 wrote, "Bless everyone for caring enough to stop and get that sweet baby out of that vehicle, the fact that she had another child with her but left one in the car is ridiculous."

@lydiamorrell6920 commented, "That poor baby needed water ... the way she had her arm wrapped around the lady was so sweet. Poor baby didn't wanna go to her mum, understandably. Thank god they got to her on time." @caughtinthecrossfire remarked, "Thankfully, the child had enough strength to cry before passing out due to the heat and people heard her. This could have easily ended badly." @ruthrose2555 shared, "Poor child thought she was also abandoned. So thankful for citizens who care!"