Glendale, Arizona — An Arizona mother is facing a child abuse charge after police say they found her passed out inside a smoke-filled home while her 2-year-old daughter remained trapped in a car seat.
The frightening incident unfolded late Saturday night after a 911 call alerted authorities that a young child was inside the home and that the child’s mother appeared to be unconscious.
Police Called to Home After Child Found in Smoke
Glendale police were called to a residence near 67th Avenue and Cholla Street at approximately 11 p.m. on Aug. 1, according to reports citing police and court documents.
The emergency call reportedly came after a 7-year-old boy noticed smoke inside the home and alerted his father.
The father then called 911. When officers arrived, they entered the residence and reportedly found Heathman unconscious near a couch.
The 2-year-old girl was still inside the home, strapped into her car seat.
Officers Carry Toddler Out of the Home
Body camera footage reportedly showed the children’s father outside the residence as officers responded.
Police eventually carried the non-responsive toddler outside while she was still secured in her car seat. Multiple reports said the girl was barely conscious when officers removed her from the smoke-filled home.
The situation became even more concerning because authorities said no other adults were inside the residence at the time. The 7-year-old boy had apparently been the one to recognize the danger and alert his father.
Burned Pizza Blamed for Smoke
Investigators determined that the smoke did not appear to have come from a major house fire. Instead, police said pizza had been left burning inside a microwave, creating enough smoke to fill portions of the home.
Officers also allegedly discovered an empty liquor bottle and additional alcohol containers inside the residence.
Heathman eventually regained consciousness after officers arrived, but authorities said she became “highly uncooperative” during the investigation.
Police then conducted an assessment of her condition.
Police Say Mother’s Blood Alcohol Level Was .379
According to court documents, Heathman’s blood alcohol level was reportedly 0.379 at the time of her arrest. That level is nearly five times Arizona’s legal driving limit of 0.08.
Investigators alleged that Heathman was too intoxicated to properly care for either child.
The combination of her reported level of intoxication, the toddler’s condition and the smoke inside the home led authorities to pursue a child abuse charge.
Woman Faces Child Abuse Charge
Heathman was subsequently charged with one count of child abuse. She was being held on a $10,000 bond following her arrest.
A Maricopa County judge also ordered her to undergo pretrial alcohol supervision and electronic monitoring while the case proceeds.
The allegations remain part of an ongoing criminal case, and Heathman is presumed innocent unless proven guilty in court.
Investigation Continues After Frightening Incident
The case has raised serious concerns about the safety of the two children, particularly after authorities said the toddler was found unable to escape the smoke because she remained strapped into her car seat.
The 7-year-old’s decision to alert his father ultimately brought emergency responders to the home.
Authorities have not publicly provided additional details about the children’s current condition or custody arrangements. The Glendale Police Department is continuing to investigate the circumstances surrounding the incident.
What do you think about this case? Should parents who become dangerously intoxicated while responsible for young children face tougher consequences? Share your thoughts in the comments below.
