Mom Left Kids Inside Car While Shoplifting And Vehicle Caught Fire With Them Inside, Police Say

Credit: Seminole County Sheriff's Office

After being accused of leaving her kids in the car while she went shoplifting, a lady has been charged with neglect and arson.

Alicia Moore, a Florida resident, is charged with stealing from a Dillard's department store last month while her children were inside a burning car.

The 24-year-old parked outside the Oviedo Mall on May 26 according to the arrest report submitted by the Oviedo Police Department.

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Moore allegedly left her kids there as she and an "unknown man" entered the store, according to the police.

The report claims that after spotting her 2016 Lincoln on fire, Moore dropped her belongings and left the store an hour later.

Fortunately, other onlookers were able to remove the children from the car.

But according to the arrest report, one of Moore's kids had severe first-degree burns on her face and ears before leaving the car.

The report, which has the names of the kids deleted, reads: "Oviedo citizens who were shopping at the mall observed the fire and [the children] attempting to exit the vehicle.”

"Law Enforcement and Fire Rescue were notified. The vehicle was completely totaled, leaving no identifying marks. [The children] were rushed to Arnold Palmer Children's Hospital for medical attention.”

Oviedo Police Department

"[One child] suffered several first-degree burns, specifically to her face and ears."

After the event, Moore was accused of leaving her young kids inside the car and was charged with aggravated child neglect.

Although Moore has been charged with arson because it is suspected that she was committing a crime when the fire broke out, police say they are unsure of what started the fire.

They further stated that if she had not been "neglectful," her children would not have suffered harm.

The report stated: “If Moore was not being neglectful, it is unlikely [the children] would have been injured."

On Friday, 2 June, Moore was charged with various offenses. She entered a not-guilty plea.

Her next court appearance is scheduled for June 27. Her bond was set at $20,000.