Harris County Mother Arrested After 4-Year-Old Found Alone in Hot Vehicle Outside Costco

HARRIS COUNTY, Texas — A woman was arrested Sunday after deputies say she left her 4-year-old child unattended inside a hot vehicle while shopping at a Costco store.

According to Constable Mark Herman’s Office, deputies responded on June 21, 2026, to the Costco located in the 26900 block of Northwest Freeway after receiving reports of a child left alone inside a vehicle.

When deputies arrived, they learned that a 4-year-old child had been left inside a parked vehicle that was turned off and not running.

Concerned citizens noticed the child and intervened, removing the youngster from the vehicle before emergency responders arrived.

Emergency Medical Services personnel responded to the scene, evaluated the child, and assisted in cooling the child down.

Investigators determined that the child had been left unattended inside the vehicle for approximately 30 minutes.

A short time later, the child’s mother returned to the vehicle after leaving the store and was identified by deputies as 33-year-old Vannie Nguyen.

Following the investigation, Nguyen was arrested and charged with Child Abandonment with Intent to Return.

She was booked into the Harris County Jail and is awaiting bond proceedings through the 184th District Court.

Constable Mark Herman emphasized the dangers associated with leaving children unattended inside vehicles, especially during hot weather conditions.

Authorities noted that temperatures inside a parked vehicle can rise rapidly within minutes, creating potentially life-threatening conditions for children and pets.

The child did not appear to suffer life-threatening injuries.