LAKE CITY, Fla. — An 18-year-old Florida mother, Tripura Merriex, has been arrested after allegedly locking her young daughter in a hot car to watch a movie at a local theater.
The incident occurred on July 21 at Regal Cinema 90 on US Highway 90. Around 5:49 p.m., theater staff called authorities to report a distressed child left unattended inside a vehicle.
When police arrived, they discovered the child sweating heavily, flushed, and crying, according to a press release from the Lake City Police Department. The outside temperature was 34.4°C (94°F), with a heat index of 41.7°C (107°F). The toddler was rushed to Lake City Medical Center for emergency treatment.
Merriex initially told officers she removed her child from the movie after the toddler’s crying disturbed other patrons. However, instead of leaving the theater, she returned to the movie and left her daughter inside the sweltering vehicle.
A theater employee said Merriex appeared visibly annoyed by her daughter’s crying. After checking on the child a few times herself, she reportedly asked her siblings to take turns monitoring the baby while she stayed inside to finish watching a Smurfs movie.
An arrest report states that Merriex’s husband told authorities she has a history of making irrational parenting decisions, especially when stressed. He described her as someone who lacks patience and often responds negatively to parenting-related pressure.
Lake City Police Chief Gerald Butler praised officers for their quick response, stating:
“Leaving a child unattended in a vehicle under these conditions is unacceptable. We are thankful the child is safe and urge all parents to prioritize the well-being of their children at all times.”
Tripura Merriex is currently being held at the Columbia County Jail on a $50,000 bond.
