North Charleston, SC, September 12, 2025
News Summary
A 30-year-old woman, Obdulia Lopez, was arrested in North Charleston after leaving her four young children unattended in a vehicle on a warm afternoon. Police found the children, all under three years old, left inside a car with rolled-up windows for approximately 35 minutes while temperatures reached 80°F. Lopez faces two counts of child endangerment, and the children were released to a family member. This alarming incident highlights the dangers of leaving children alone in cars, particularly during warmer weather.
North Charleston, SC – A 30-year-old woman named Obdulia Lopez was arrested on September 10 after leaving four young children unattended in a vehicle on a warm afternoon. The police received a call around 12:30 p.m. concerning two babies locked inside a car at a strip mall on Rivers Avenue. By the time officers arrived, the children had been left alone in the car with the windows rolled up for approximately 35 minutes, while outside temperatures reached around 80 degrees Fahrenheit.
Lopez was attempting to leave the parking lot when officers stopped her vehicle. Upon inspection, it was discovered that none of the four children, all under the age of three, were secured with seat belts or placed in car seats, which raises serious concerns about child safety. Surveillance video from the store confirmed that Lopez had spent more than half an hour inside before returning to her vehicle.
When questioned by the police, Lopez expressed regret and indicated that she hadn’t been gone for a long time. The Department of Social Services intervened shortly thereafter, ensuring the children were safely released to a family member. Meanwhile, Lopez has been charged with two counts of child endangerment and has been booked at the Al Cannon Detention Center. A judge reviewed her case and set her bond at $5,000 for each count, resulting in a total of $10,000. As of September 11, Lopez remained in custody at the Charleston County jail and is currently under a hold placed by U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement.
This incident sheds light on a troubling trend, as data indicates that, on average, approximately 37 children under 15 years old die each year from heatstroke after being left unattended in hot vehicles. Experts have noted that car interiors can heat up rapidly, often rising as much as 20 degrees Fahrenheit within just 10 minutes. Even with outside temperatures at a seemingly mild 70 degrees Fahrenheit, the temperature inside a vehicle can soar to dangerous levels exceeding 115 degrees Fahrenheit.
In response to this incident, North Charleston police are reminding the community of the significant dangers associated with leaving children unattended in vehicles, especially during warmer weather. They urge parents and guardians to remain vigilant and prioritize the safety of their children in all settings.
Key Incident Summary:
– Arrested: Obdulia Lopez, 30, North Charleston
– Date: September 10
– Charges: Two counts of child endangerment
– Children: Four, all under three years old
– Time left unattended: Approximately 35 minutes
– Outside temperature: 80 degrees Fahrenheit
– Bond: $10,000 total ($5,000 for each count)
FAQs
What happened to the children involved in the incident?
The children were released to a family member by the Department of Social Services after being left unattended in a hot vehicle.
What charges is Obdulia Lopez facing?
Obdulia Lopez faces two counts of child endangerment.
How does the temperature inside a car increase compared to outside?
Car interiors can heat up as much as 20 degrees Fahrenheit within 10 minutes, reaching dangerous levels even at relatively mild outside temperatures.
What are the statistics for children affected by heatstroke in vehicles?
On average, approximately 37 children under the age of 15 die each year from heatstroke after being left unattended in vehicles.
Key Features Chart:
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Arrested Individual | Obdulia Lopez, 30 |
| Incident Date | September 10 |
| Children’s Ages | Under three years old |
| Time Left Unattended | 35 minutes |
| Outside Temperature | 80°F |
| Charges | Two counts of child endangerment |
| Total Bond Amount | $10,000 |
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Additional Resources
- Live 5 News: Woman Charged for Leaving Children Unattended
- ABC News 4: North Charleston Woman Charged
- Post and Courier: Lopez Arrested for Leaving Kids
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Child Endangerment
- Google Search: Child Safety in Vehicles
Author: STAFF HERE CHARLESTON
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