Car bursts into flames with 2 children inside while mother shoplifted, police say

WASHINGTON (TND) — A mother was shoplifting at a mall in Florida while her two children were left unattended in a parked car that erupted into flames, according to authorities.

The Oviedo Police Department said 24-year-old Alicia Moore parked at Dillard’s on May 26. She then entered the store, leaving her two children alone.

Police said as she shopped, store employees watched Moore and an unidentified man shoplift. The two were allegedly inside the store for about an hour.

When Moore came back out, she noticed her car was on fire.

A police image shows flames and smoke pouring from a sedan. Another photo shows the charred remains of the car.

Records from the Seminole County Sheriff's Office show Moore -- who was also wanted on assault and battery charges on a person over the age of 65, as well as petty theft charges -- was arrested for child neglect and first-degree arson.

She pleaded not guilty to the charges, according to CNN.

The records note Moore's bond was set for $48,000 and she is slated to appear in court on August 8.

CNN reported that shoppers helped rescue the children, who were taken to a hospital. One of the kids was treated for first-degree burns.

It wasn't immediately known how the fire started.