Mother leaves kids in hot car while shopping at Walmart, police say

HOUSTON – A mother is facing child endangerment charges after police said she left her children inside a hot car while she was shopping at Walmart.

Shana Colette Copeland was arrested Sunday afternoon.

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Witnesses reported that two children were left outside in a car in the parking lot of the store on Westview Drive near the Sam Houston Tollway.

Police found a 5-year-old boy and a 4-year-old girl alone in the vehicle. The engine was off and the windows were rolled down. Officers said the children were hot and thirsty.

Copeland came out of the store while police were investigating and told them she didn't know it was a crime to leave the children in the car alone. She said she told the children that she was going to buy groceries.

The children were released into the care of a relative.

Copeland is being held in the Harris County jail on a $2,000 bond. She is scheduled to appear before a judge on Tuesday.