Arizona Moms Arrested After Allegedly Leaving Kids Alone in Car While They Drank at Bar — Legal Experts Weigh In.
In a disturbing incident caught on bodycam, two mothers in Glendale, Arizona, are now facing serious charges after police say they left four young children alone in a car late at night — while they went out drinking at a nearby bar.
The events unfolded on March 8, but police only recently released the footage, which has since sparked outrage and concern among parents and legal experts alike.
A Shocking Scene in the Parking Lot
According to the Glendale Police Department, officers were called to the Westgate Entertainment District around 11 p.m. after multiple witnesses reported seeing a young child running unsupervised in a parking lot. When bystanders looked into a nearby car, they found three additional children — two of them still strapped into car seats.
Responding officers stayed with the children for over 45 minutes, attempting to locate the parents.
Eventually, two women returned and identified themselves as the children’s mothers. Both claimed they had only stepped away for “10 to 15 minutes,” with one insisting she had just used the restroom.
But police weren’t buying it.
“That’s a lie,” one officer said bluntly. “We’ve been standing with these kids for over 45 minutes.”
Alleged Drinking, Slurred Speech, and Marijuana in the Glove Box
According to police, the women smelled of alcohol, had slurred speech, and admitted to drinking at a nearby bar while their children — some as young as three years old — were left unattended in the vehicle.
Officers also discovered a bag of marijuana in the glove compartment — within easy reach of the children.
Both mothers were arrested on multiple charges, and the children were taken to a local hospital by firefighters as a precaution.
What Are the Legal Consequences of Leaving Children Unattended?
While shocking, this isn’t just a moral failure — it’s a criminal offense.
Under Arizona law (ARS 13-3623 and ARS 13-3619), leaving a minor child in a situation that poses an unreasonable risk of harm — especially while under the influence — can result in charges of child endangerment or child abuse, both of which can be felonies depending on the circumstances.
Family law attorney Rachel Garza, who is not connected to the case, explained:
“Leaving a child alone in a vehicle—particularly at night, and while intoxicated—opens the door to both criminal prosecution and potential loss of custody. In Arizona, courts take these cases extremely seriously.”
Depending on the final charges filed, the mothers could face jail time, fines, probation, and possibly intervention from Child Protective Services (CPS).
Community Response and Bodycam Backlash
The incident, made more visceral by the newly released bodycam footage, has triggered strong reactions across social media. Many parents said they were horrified, while others expressed frustration at what they see as a growing trend of neglect masked as "just a short break."
“You don’t go out drinking when you're in charge of kids. End of story,” one commenter wrote.
Police praised the Good Samaritans who spotted the child and made the call.
“It’s a strong reminder,” the department said, “that leaving children alone—especially while under the influence—is not just reckless. It’s illegal.”
A Wake-Up Call with Legal Teeth
This case serves as a cautionary tale — not only for parents but for anyone who believes a “quick drink” or brief moment away is harmless. When it comes to child welfare, intent doesn’t matter nearly as much as impact.
And as this case moves forward, it’s clear that the law will have the final say.
