Salina, Kansas — Two Kansas parents are facing criminal charges after police say they left six children, including two infants, inside a hot vehicle while they went into a Wingstop restaurant on a day when temperatures approached triple digits.
According to authorities, officers responded Wednesday afternoon after receiving reports that several children had been left unattended inside a parked vehicle outside the restaurant.
The incident has renewed warnings from emergency officials about the dangers of leaving children in vehicles during extreme summer heat.
Police Responded After Concerned Caller Reported Children Alone
According to local authorities, officers arrived at the Wingstop in Salina at approximately 2 p.m. after someone reported children alone inside a parked vehicle.
Police said the vehicle had only one window partially open, and the air conditioning was not running despite outside temperatures reaching 97 degrees, with the heat index climbing above 100 degrees.
Investigators said the children appeared to have been left inside the vehicle for approximately 20 to 30 minutes while the adults were inside the restaurant.
Officers later located Michael Krueger, 53, and Tiffany Krueger, 40, inside the business.
Six Children Included Two 7-Month-Old Babies
Authorities said the vehicle contained six children ranging in age from 7 months to 13 years old.
According to police, the children included:
- Two 7-month-old infants
- A 2-year-old
- A 4-year-old
- A 5-year-old
- A 13-year-old
Emergency responders evaluated each child after they were removed from the vehicle.
Police later confirmed the children appeared to have no immediate health concerns, but they were taken into protective custody as the investigation continued.
Parents Booked on Child Endangerment Charges
Following the investigation, Michael and Tiffany Krueger were arrested and booked into the Saline County Jail.
According to booking records, both face aggravated child endangerment charges in connection with the incident.
Authorities have not released additional details regarding the family’s circumstances or whether the parents have entered pleas.
The allegations remain pending as the criminal case moves through the court process.
Officials Warn Hot Cars Can Become Deadly Within Minutes
Following the incident, emergency officials reminded parents and caregivers that parked vehicles can become dangerously hot in a very short amount of time.
“A child’s body temperature raises three to five times faster than adults’. They just do not have the same regulating capabilities that an adult does,” said Chad Scoville of the Salina Fire Department.
He also warned that temperatures inside vehicles can quickly become life-threatening.
“We simply do not want to leave unattended children or pets in unattended vehicles. Period.”
According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), approximately 37 children die each year from heatstroke after being left or becoming trapped inside vehicles.
Officials continue to urge parents and caregivers to check the back seat every time they leave a vehicle, especially during periods of extreme heat.
What are your thoughts on this incident? What more can communities do to prevent children from being left in hot vehicles during the summer? Share your thoughts respectfully in the comments below.
