This is such a coincidence!
I was just coming on this site to report something my kids and I watched tonight. We were at the Rite Aid on Mt. Herman Road at 6:05pm. My kids are 14 & 15 and thier friend is 15. The 14 and 15 year old went in to the store to buy some drinks for the night and I sat with my other son in the van. As we were sitting there, a teal blue, town and country van pulled in beside us. The woman got out of the car and went into the store. I thought nothing. My kids came out about 5 minutes later and I started to back out of my parking spot. I checked the sides and when I did, I noticed 2 young toddlers sitting in the back seat in car seats. I slowed down to a stop and asked my kids if they saw an adult in the very back seat. They looked and said "NO"!!! I wasn't sure if they looked well enough so I back around to the back of the other van to get a better view of the back seat. And to my dismay, there was no other person in the car besides the 2 babies. I pulled back in and was spitting fire! They boys were asking me what was I going to do? I told them to call the police while I went into the store to get the mother and give her a piece of my ass.
As I walked up to the doors I thought that maybe I should get her tag number before I go in the store just in case she leaves. I went back to her car, wrote down the tag number and almost hit the ground. Not only was this car registered to a complete idiot but it had the tags of the Fruitland Fire Department!! Maryland tag FF 0080. I walked around the car because I could hear the kids hollering and there sat her pocketbook in the front seat. Tempting to the eye of a thief. As I was writing down the make of the car, the mother came out, went in the front seat to her pocketbook, said something to the kids, then went back into the store. I got back in my car and could not believe what I was watching! I asked the kids if they called the police and they said they were afraid. So our conversation went on about why and what do they think we should do.
The mother came out, got in her van and pulled away. My sons' friend said "Oh my God. She left her kids in the car to get a pack of cigarettes!" We pulled up to the stop light and who was next to me?...the van with the wacked mom! I remembered that I had my camera in the car but before I could get a picture of this woman, the light changed and she pulled ahead. I was able to get the picture of the rear of the van.
I wanted to post this because I was unable to help those 2 babies that have no voice and I was extremely upset at what this woman had done. My son has recently been diagnosed with Leukemia and I am doing everything in my power to keep him alive and she is just taking her childrens' life for granted. How dare she! My life would never be the same if my sons' fight were to end in any way that takes him from me. I don't wish this feeling on any mother but sometimes I do wish it so they can feel the pain and maybe it would wake them up.
So if you know who owns a bluish-teal Town and Country van, tag number: MD FF 0080, Fruitland Fire Department, let her know that she is lucky that I did not get the police there in time and that someone is always watching. I hope the cigarettes were worth it!
Kerry Schoepf
DelMarVa's Premier Source for News, Opinion, Analysis, and Human Interest Contact Publisher Joe Albero at alberobutzo@wmconnect.com or 410-430-5349
54 comments:
I pulled up to a gas station and ran in for a minute and had my kids in the car and a state trooper pulled up next to me and saw them, but didn't say anything to me. I think if you can see your car from inside and your not "hanging out chatting" its okay. Plus....if anyone took my kids, they would surely bring them back
Is this an epidemic today?
This is no joking matter. Children and pets die every year from being left in hot cars...not to mention that children could be stolen the car stolen with the children in it. Is it really so hard to just take your children into the store with you and keep them safe?
You shouldn't be posting tag numbers on a blog. If you want to call out someone's behavior that is one thing but to publish someone's tag and tell the whole world that she has 2 young children I think you are going a little too far. Call the police, sure, express your opinion, sure, but don't post specific information to the whole world.
You did the important thing, you hung around and made sure the children were safe.
well, personally....when u have 3-4 kids and ur literally running in to pay for gas and you can see your car...i thinks its ok...i cant see waking a napping toddler when u can see your car.
Why not post the tag number on a blog? DWI's are named in the papers and both of them are doing something stupid and dangerous. Maybe people will think twice before doing it again.
And you should not be leaving your kids in a car alone, 7:59 it takes a second for someone to take them.
Wanda L. Disharoon
i have 3 kids. one 2,9, and 10. when i have all 3 with me i will run in the store 4 a min. but when its just me n the 2y.o. i always bring her in.
How do you know the registered owner (idiot) was the one driving?
I am that mother...I would like to set the record straight because not all your facts are facts. I am not saying that what I did was OK, but would like to add some clarification.
I had been in Rite Aid about 15 mins prior to this, my (sick) daughter in store with me. We left & I went to pick up my son. I notcied I had been charged for something I didn't purchase, and went back to the store to get a refund. It was something I had to do tonight w/ the same cashier because she knew I hadn't bought the item, and had I waited to do the transaction tomorrow, wouldn't be able to prove so. Conincidentally enough, the item I was charged for but DIDN'T buy was a pack of cigarettes.
I parked as close to the store as possible (front row), and left the kids in the car. My sick daughter was sleeping, and I felt as if I could see the car and the doors were locked, then they would be OK for the few moments I would be at the front register.
Kerry, you were out of your vehicle phone in hand when I went to get in my vehicle. If you were so pissed, then why didn't you say something to me then, or when you were at the stoplight by me?
So, there you have it...I wasn't buying cigarettes, the doors were locked, and if someone really wanted my purse, there's not much in there that would be worth their trouble. Like I said, I was in the wrong for leaving my children unattended, but had my reasons...
I don't think there was any harm in what she did. We as parents make decisions at the time that we feel is best and know our children better than anyone. I don't agree with leaving kids in a car while you are shopping at a place like Lowes, but to run in a convience store for a minute and you can see your car...big deal. Some parents are just more relaxed than others. I let my 8 and 4 year old outside to play and I am not with them, or can even see that at every moment, but I know where I can find them, and they will not leave our street. My neighbor however is right outside with her kids at all times. Kids are all different. Maybe her kids would take off..I don't know, but I know mine won't.
anonymous 9:11, It's been a long time since I've called someone an Idiot.
People like that do not deserve kids.
For all of you who leave your kids in the car, even if you can see them, or ouside to play, out of your sight, you are just plain nuts.
This mom is truely reckless! No amount of money is worth your childrens safety! Where are your priorities? Something tells me this is not the first time she's done this, hopefully this will make her think twice before doing it again. I only wish the initial lady had the guts to follow through and call the police or confront the mom when she returned to the van, if you really cared that would have been the right thing to do.
I would be afraid knowing my child that she would drive off.....
call me mixed nuts them :) my kids are safe
I can't say that I am shocked by the stupidity pouring into this thread but it is very disheartening. Many vehicles, even with the doors locked, can be stolen in under 1 minute. If the keys are left in the ignition that time can be less than 15 seconds. Think about how long it can take at a register to check out, much less the "quick" shopping time. I have never checked out at a store in under a minute. The next time anyone that is justifying these actions is in a store do yourselves a favor, set a timer to see how long it actually takes in that store. I am sure you will always come up at over 1 minute.
Think about looking through a plate glass window as some person pops your locks, you run to the door. As you approach the car the thief has already hit the automatic lock button and is wiring your car. He or she looks at you and grins as you scream "NOT MY BABIES". Do any of you think the person is just going to stop and turn him or herself in knowing his charges are not just vehicle theft but now kidnapping as well?? Heck no! God people use your brains for Pete sake. Our children deserve to be protected at all times. Don't excuse ignorance or down play it because you or your friend is too self absorbed to worry about a child. Personally if I would have witnessed either of this incidents I guarantee the outcome would have been much different.
MD law is 8 years old to be left unattended, and 13 to watch another child.
I can't stand how so many people are so judgemental of how someone else raises their kids!
AMEN! I know my parents let me run around our neighborhood when i was a kid
9:11- I really hope you are not serious when you say your 8 yo and 4 yo children play alone outside and you can't see them. Not really something to brag about. As much as you would like to think your children know the rules, all children break the rules from time to time. While legally, your 8 year old could play outside for reasonable amounts of time alone, your 4 year old CANNOT! And the 8 year old cannot be responsible for watching the 4 year old. Not to mention, it takes only one second for a child to run into the street chasing a ball and get struck by a car...or one minute to be kidnapped. Where would you be? How would you feel if you went out to where you "know you can find them" and they are not there??? Seriously, people. WAKE UP! How hard is it to sit outside and watch your children play???
"Let those who are perfect cast the first stone"
Certainly no one here has a perfect parenting record, and we all have different parenting styles, so let's just agree to disagree?!
there are no people around where i live...they are safe...and no road!
I think you people need to mind your own business. Good Lord!
I love how the woman that wrote in didn't have the guts to say anything to the irresponsible parent when she had the opportunity, and the irresponsible parent came on this blog to excuse her illegal behavior. And we wonder why society and kids are so screwed up?
Are you for real? IF your story is accurate, you could have taken the item back tomorrow and gotten a refund. It doesn't sound like something that HAD to be done like you said with the same cashier. Rite Aid has a return policy which would have enabled you to get the refund.
If you women/girls are gonna have babies, then take care of those babies! They should be your FIRST priority, always!
No wonder this world's goin' to hell in a handbasket!
And for anon 10:17 - you're just as bad. What a stupid comment!
Be glad SOMEBODY is watching out for the children because apparently there are a lot of parents who could care less about their kids!
Mind your own business you people are pathetic
OH MY GOD! Do any of you that say leaving your child outside alone or in a locked car alone not been watching tv lately? The number of kids that are being abducted and murdered is unreal. Seems more and more are just disappearing everyday. Just recently a 4 yr old was outside playing on her scooter in california..Mother wasn't watching her..she went outside and the little girl is gone..Found in the river dead 11 days later...Come on..this world is getting ugly and we as adults need to have our guards up 24/7, 365 days of the year. Some sick people in this world...
The times have changed ladies and gents , people will take your children , for what ever reason.
Don't leave your children in the car , you may never see them again.
1057
I didn't come here to excuse my behavior. I came here to add some clarification. If you re-read my initial comment, then you will see where I say "I'm not saying this is OK" in the very first paragraph, and then again in the last.
1114
What do you mean IF my story is real?! I have the receipt to prove it, which I'd be happy to share. And in case you aren't aware, there is a no return policy on tobacco, federally. So, had I waited to go back to get a refund later, I wouldn't have. The cashier knew the situation, and knew she didn't sell the cigarettes to me, but no one else would have known.
Kerry your such a responsible mom, have you always been mom of the year or should I enlighten the people a bit. Why dont you stick to taking care oy(YOUR) kids and make Jeff some breakfast.
the item (cigs) you needed a refund for was approx.$5.00.thats a pretty cheap value you have placed upon your kids and their safety.jmho.
i know kerri,if needed she would take a 100 kids in the store with her if it meant not leaving them un-attended or give you the $5.00 so you wouldnt have to leave yours
big mike
Shame you can get a license for driving, but you can't get one to be a parent. In today's world, you shouldn't leave any child unattended in the car. Idiots.
ANYONE who leaves their child in the car alone needs some serious counseling! If you think that it's ok, you are crazy! Times have changed and a child's welfare and safety far outweigh being charged for a $5.00 pack of cigarettes that you didn't purchase. If the charge was going to be such a hardship on you, then take the kids back in with you, you idiot! Kerry and Jeff are good parents. My daughter used to babysit for them.
6:12 When someone says something and uses the word but in the middle of their presentation, the reality is you can forget everything you heard up to the word "but" and need only listen to everything that follows.
MARYLAND LAW
Subtitle 8. 5-801
Unattended Children.
Confinement in dwelling, building, enclosure, or motor vehicle.
(a) In general-A person who is charged with the care of a child under the age of 8 years may not allow the child to be locked or confined in a dwelling, building, enclosure, or motor vehicle while the person charged is absent and the dwelling, building, enclosure, or motor vehicle is out of sight of the person charged unless the person charges provides a reliable person at least 13 years old to remain with the child to protect the child.
(b) Penalties for Violation- A person who violates this section is guilty of a misdemeanor and on conviction is subject to a fine not exceeding $500 or imprisonment not exceeding 30 days, or both.
So its ok if you can see your vehicle! like when you run into a gas station..so back off people
You can bet if it had been me who saw you I would have been on the phone to the police AND I definitely would have had a few words for you when you came back out!
Bet this isn't the first time, just the first time you were "caught".
It was an idiotic move and yes, you kind of said it was wrong, BUT, you'll do it again, I'm sure of it.
I am the mother of 4 and all my children have been left in the car at one time or another while I...
Walk another child to the gate at school
Pay for Gas
Throw a movie in the outside slot at blockbuster
Make a deposit at an ATM
Grab a pizza from Papa John's
Run back into my House for something
When they are sleeping when we get home
The van is always in sight and earshot and I have the keys with me.
For those of you who would never do it...good for you! But please do not think we are bad mothers because we do it differantly.
Each of us have a differant standard of care and as long as the children are safe and look after then let it go.
Personally I breastfeed and know its the best but I would not think a mother who formula feeds her child was irresposiable even though there have been deaths attributed to allergic reaction and poisoning with formula feeding.
We all do the best we can with the information and knowlage we have.
Reality is bad things happen no matter what.
Dont you think Elizabeth Smarts family thought she was safe IN HER HOME IN A ROOM WITH HER SISTER NEXT TO HER??? You bet they did but still she was taken.
We can not keep an eye on our children every second of everyday, but we can do everything in our power to create safety and to some of us that means, car in sight and gone only for a minute or 2.
why don't all of you perfect do-good parents run for President. Since you are so awesome and perfect...I'm sure you all have done such a wonderful job at parenting to criticize like this...
Why do people get mad when they see things like this? Why are you judging this women from one incident out of a lifetime of living? We all were not created perfect people. We all have different ideals and judgements. Much of this comes from life experience.
If I had pulled up next to this vehicle, I would have just waited in my car next to this one, making sure the kids remained safe.
We don't need to run around persecuting others. Instead we should silently help others. Have you ever heard of doing a good deed? I'm sure someday someone will do one for you, if they already haven't.
Here Here Mardella!
I wonder of any of these folks, lecturing everyone, have ever left their young children alone, while they take a shower or go to the bathroom. It's not any different. An unattended child is an unattended child.
The judgement is just stunning.
Woo!Hoo! Amen! Parent your own style, we will parent ours. You are probably the same people that thinks abortion is okay, but don't dare let your child sit in a car for a minute without you!
It's called NEGLECT, pure and simple.
THAT is the bottom line.
Dear Mom,
Speaking as an imperfect mother, I have made mistakes. One time my daughter disobeyed me in a restaurant. Boy, I spoke to her very harshly. I was so bad that a lady at a neighboring table heard me. She came over and gave me some literature from her church. I WAS SO EMBARRASSED! After a while, though, I thanked her in my mind because it was a wake-up call for me. I would rather be embarrassed than be grief-striken if something had happened to my daughter.
My mom left me and my brother in the car when we were probably 5 and 7. She was going to walk her Gma to the airport terminal and say bye.
Too bad she was parked in the "No Parking Zone". A cop walked up and handed me a ticket and said to give it to my mom.
Oh man she was so pissed.
But to stay on the subject, if it bothered you that much about the kids you should have just stayed there until the mother came back so you would know the kids would be fine, and you could speak your mind to the woman if you need to.
But no. You passive aggressively (That doesn't sound right) bring this nonsense to the Internet. You are obviously affected by this situation because of your son, of which I am sorry for, but it does not give you the right to be queen over all mothers.
And my god we talk about all the crime in the area, we really want a cop to spend valuable time going to Rite-Aid and telling you both to just go home?
I normally would have said something to the mother but I had my children in the car and the 2 children in the other car were little ones. I was not trying to make a seen and scare the kids because I feel so passionately about this that I know the confrontation may not have been as peaceful as I would have liked it. Not knowing the mother also I was unsure how she would respond and the kids were already upset. I am not perfect by any means and I have made my share of mistakes raising my kids. But I have NEVER put thier safety in jeopardy. OK, so you weren't getting cigarettes, you were in the store long enough for me to sit and wait for my kids, get out and type in your car information on my phone, get back in my car and sit there discussing the situation with my kids who were really mad. We had just come from a football BBQ and they knew how hot it was outside. I did not post this as a front page post. I had originally posted this as a comment on yesterdays story.
Since fighting my sons battle with Leukemia, I am more and more outraged over the carefree ways of tending to children. My weeks on the oncology floor at Johns Hopkins put into perspective that my kids are blessed with the parents they have. There were children up there with no parents while they were getting treatment for cancer. Kids that are fighting for thier lives and wanting someone to hold them. Children left alone. I spent many sleepless days and nights tending to my son and other children just to make them smile. I have never left my kids alone and I will forever be by their side, protecting them from whatever danger comes at them. That is my job, that is what I commited to when I became a parent. There is no other option. It is also my job to protect your child. That became my job when I became a human being!
So hate me because I wanted your kids safe and felt worried for them. Hate me because I posted your information and got you stirred up enough to respond. Hate me because you now know the helplessness that your kids had in the car.
I don't think you are a bad mom or that you should not have kids, I think you should really take head in what is truly important and know that dangers are around every corner. No we shouldn't live on the "what ifs" but when it comes to your kids, especially those with no fighting chances, reconsider and remember the all the horrific stories that are reality.
God Bless
Man get off your high horse. I'm not the mother you speak of. I'm just seeing some woman posting other people's plates on the internet making accusations instead of helping anyone.
WAY UnCool.
I have a 2 year old. I have, on very rare occasions, left her in the car to run in and get something from inside- literally in and out. It's a rarity for sure, as you never know what can happen. I don't ever leave her in the car in public places- I pay at the pump. If I need something from inside, she goes with me. I don't even leave her in the car while I return the cart at Giant. I don't see that people are being all that judgemental here- I think people are upset and concerned. Everyday we are inundated with posts about the crime in the area- Salisbury IS NOT a sleepy little town anymore, but I think people have a false sense of safety/security. Personally, even though money is tight for us, I would have let that $5.00 go, if I didn't want to take my kids in the store.
One thing I'm curious about- how do you get charged for a pack of cigarettes that you didn't actually buy- wouldn't you see that in the total? Plus, the cashier has to actually get the cigarettes from another location. I'm just confused as to how that could even happen.
if it is hot enough, i will call the cops if you (any of you who do) leave your kids in the car and i see it.
otherwise, i will pray for your kid's safety, but if they are kidnapped or carjacked or hurt themselves while you are too busy to be responsible for them, that's on you.
i have kids. they go in with me, or i get a sitter, or i wait for my husband to get home. it's not always convienient, but i don't leave them in the car. i'm just not selfish enouogh to put my kids at risk just to make my own life easier. you're getting gas? get a check or debit card so you can pay at the pump. you need groceries? take them with you and plan for it to take awhile. i have to drop my older kids at school, too - and i take the baby out and carry her. get netflix. get direct deposit. ARRANGE YOUR LIFE TO PROTECT YOUR KIDS. that's called being a parent.
if you can't do what you have to do without leaving your kids unattended, you have too many kids.
959
To answer your question as to how I was charged for cigarettes I didn't buy:
There was a lady in front of me who was going to purchase them. The cashier rang up the transaction, but apparently requires payment by debit or cash for tobacco. The lady only had credit so she didn't buy them. Cashier thought she'd voided the item before she started ringing up my order. Simple human error. I did see it in the total, but not until after I'd completed my transaction, put my (sick) daughter back in the vehicle, and was on the road to pick up my son. And for the record, the cigarettes were more than $5.
I wrote a comment back to Kerry last night, but see that it wasn't posted....have to wonder if this one will be or not?!
Kerry's number is in the phone book, call her and duke it out.
You should of made a better choice about leaving your children in the car.( I think everyone made that clear ) Lets move on and Kerry always has her nose in other people's business. And saying God Bless after your email Kerry was shameless. The people that know you knows better. Hope you life has change and not just using God's name to look good! Not working for you.
I have no reason to call her to "duke it out" That's not what my post was about....in fact, the first line said that I didn't hate her for anything she did.
People are passionate about different things, and obviously this is hers...to each their own.
If you could see the predators I see everyday where I work, you would think twice about leaving your children alone-period! Check your area on this website
http://www.dpscs.state.md.us/sorSearch/
or check the area where you shop the most. It only takes a second for you to be distracted for your child to end up on a milk carton
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