RCSD: Mother accused of leaving toddler in hot car while donating plasma

Elizabeth Newcomb
Image: Alvin S. Glenn Detention Center

COLUMBIA, SC (WOLO)– The Richland County Sheriff’s Department says a 22-year-old woman was arrested Friday, accused of leaving her 18-month-old child trapped in a vehicle with the windows up.

Officials say the incident took place on Friday in the 2700 block of Decker Boulevard. Deputies arriving at the scene say the child was in visible distress, sweating and crying. Deputies say they broke the window of the car, rescued the child and rendered aid.

According to authorities, witnesses say they saw the driver of the car walk into the plasma donation center around 12 p.m. Friday, but they did not know a child was in the car until they later saw and heard it inside the car. Investigators say the child was in the car for an hour and a half before help arrived.

Deputies say they went into the plasma donation center and found the woman who matched the description given by witnesses. Deputies say 22-year-old Elizabeth Newcomb admitted that she intentionally left her child in the car while she went inside to make the donation.

“This case does not involve an absent-minded parent forgetting their child,” Sheriff Lott said. “A mother chose to leave her 18-month-old in a vehicle, unattended in 90-degree weather. Let me be clear, if you chose to make the same choice this mother did, you will be arrested.”

Deputies say they arrested Newcomb on the scene. She is charged with unlawful conduct towards a child.

According to officials, the child was taken into the custody of the Department of Social Services.