BELTON, TX – A Texas mother has been charged in connection with an incident last October in which her young son was injured while she was making a food delivery. Angela Moreno, 24, was working as a DoorDash delivery driver when she left her vehicle with her 3-year-old and 1-year-old sons inside, according to the Belton Police Department.
The incident occurred as Moreno ran into a restaurant to collect a customer’s order. Authorities say the children were not properly secured and left unattended in the car. During Moreno’s absence—a period police described as about ten minutes—her three-year-old reportedly climbed up and managed to access the vehicle’s moonroof.
The situation took a critical turn when the boy supposedly activated the moonroof using a console button, resulting in his neck becoming trapped. Responders rushed to the scene on the night of October 10, 2024, around 9 p.m., finding the child unconscious and struggling to breathe.
Emergency medical personnel provided immediate care, performing life-saving measures before transporting him to McClane Children’s Hospital. After receiving treatment, the child survived his injuries.
Following a thorough police investigation, the incident was reviewed by the Bell County District Attorney’s Office, which decided to charge Moreno with injury to a child. She was formally arrested on March 26 and booked into the Bell County Jail. Moreno was released on March 27 after posting a $50,000 bond.
Authorities indicated the accident occurred as the child, seeking to engage with the environment outside, accidentally manipulated the moonroof closure mechanism. The subsequent entrapment compromised his airway, highlighting a critical risk associated with leaving children unsupervised in vehicles.
Moreno’s arrest has reignited discussions about child safety, especially concerning vehicle features that could pose dangers if not monitored. The case serves as a stark reminder of the potential hazards children face in circumstances lacking adequate supervision.
As Moreno navigates the legal process, the incident underscores ongoing dialogues around parental responsibilities and public awareness concerning child safety in everyday tasks. Community advocates highlight the importance of vigilance and the challenges parents face balancing work demands with family safety.