Chicago Woman Arrested for Leaving Children in Vehicle
A 25-year-old was charged with child endangerment after leaving two young children unattended in a parked car.
Updated on Oct. 30, 2026 in Child Care
Joliet Police arrested a Chicago woman after finding two young children left unattended in a parked vehicle at Harrah's Casino. The children, aged 1 and 3, were discovered in the vehicle on the garage's second tier with the engine turned off.
Why it matters
Leaving children unattended in vehicles presents significant safety risks, particularly regarding temperature regulation and potential medical emergencies. This incident highlights the critical importance of supervision when managing family logistics during public outings.
The incident involved two children, aged 1 and 3, who were found in a vehicle at 12:39 a.m. The suspect, 25-year-old Tia Motley, now faces a charge of endangering the life or health of a child.
The players
Joliet Police
The local law enforcement agency responsible for public safety and emergency response within the city of Joliet.
Tia Motley
A 25-year-old Chicago resident who faces criminal charges following an incident at a local casino.
The details
The children were located by authorities on the second tier of the Harrah's Casino parking garage. At the time of discovery, the vehicle engine had been turned off, rendering the car's climate control systems inactive. Police subsequently took the adult into custody at the scene.
Timeline
The arrest occurred at 12:39 a.m. on Monday, October 26, 2026.
The Home Front
State regulations regarding child safety emphasize that leaving young children unattended in vehicles is a punishable offense under the Illinois Child Endangerment Statute. This incident aligns with heightened local enforcement trends focused on preventing preventable hazards for minors.
Families should always establish a clear plan for childcare that ensures constant, adult-supervised care during errands. If you are traveling with young children, verify that your destination or parking facility accommodates your need to keep children with you at all times.
The takeaway
Maintaining constant supervision is the primary way to ensure the safety of minors during family outings. Always prioritize childcare arrangements that keep children under direct adult oversight when visiting public venues.
Further reading
For more information on keeping your household and children safe in public, visit Child Care.
Source note: This article includes information reported by 1340 WJOL.
