Green Bay Mother Charged After Infant Left In Car
A 4-month-old required medical treatment for heat exhaustion after being left in a locked vehicle for nearly an hour.
Updated on Oct. 13, 2026 in Babies
Authorities in Green Bay charged a 25-year-old woman with child neglect after she left her 4-month-old infant in a parked vehicle at the Walmart on West Mason Street. The child was treated for possible heat exhaustion after being discovered by a passerby.
Why it matters
This incident highlights the life-threatening risks associated with leaving children unattended in vehicles, even for short periods. Medical experts note that internal vehicle temperatures can rise rapidly, creating dangerous conditions for infants who are unable to regulate their own body temperature.
Surveillance footage confirmed the infant was left alone for approximately 50 minutes while the mother was inside the store. The 4-month-old required hospital care following the event.
The players
Selena Buckner
The 25-year-old individual facing charges of child neglect and resisting or obstructing an officer.
Walmart
The national retail chain where the incident occurred on West Mason Street.
The details
A passerby alerted emergency services after noticing the infant was sweating, red, and crying inside the vehicle. Two individuals eventually opened the unlocked car to assist and cool the child before authorities arrived. Police used store security cameras to track the mother's timeline, confirming she was inside the location from 1:13 p.m. to 2:05 p.m.
Timeline
Monday, October 12, 2026, when the infant was left in the vehicle.
1:13 p.m. to 2:05 p.m., the duration the mother was inside the store.
Tuesday, October 13, 2026, when the defendant was charged.
The Home Front
This case follows the established legal framework for child neglect within Wisconsin state statutes. It underscores the critical regulatory expectation that caregivers must maintain direct supervision of infants at all times in public spaces.
Always double-check that your vehicle is empty of all children and pets before exiting, regardless of how quickly you plan to return. If you see an unattended child showing signs of distress in a vehicle, call 911 immediately to request professional assistance.
The takeaway
Even brief errands pose significant risks when a young infant is left unattended in a confined environment. Parents and caregivers should develop a routine of opening the rear door of the vehicle as a secondary check every time they park to ensure no child is left behind.
Further reading
For more information on family safety and health, visit the Babies section.
Source note: This article includes information reported by WGBA.
