Woman left children in hot car while stealing groceries, police say

GASTONIA, N.C. — A Charlotte woman left two 7-year-old children in a running vehicle while she stole groceries from a Gaston County Walmart, police said.

Police arrested Carla McJunkins, 28, Saturday afternoon, Channel 9's partners at the Gaston Gazette reported.

Officials said McJunkins left her daughter and niece unattended in her car just after 10 a.m. and went inside the store at 3000 E. Franklin Blvd.

She is accused of stealing 36 grocery items worth about $245, officials said.

Police charged McJunkins with child abuse and larceny.

She is being held in the Gaston County Jail on $6,000 bond.

Cox Media Group