Debra LaneA 55-year-old Calhoun, Ga., woman was arrested after authorities on Monday discovered she left a 2-year-old she had forgotten in a car for four hours.
Debra Lane, whom authorities describe as a "caregiver," is charged with second-degree cruelty to children and reckless conduct, according to Calhoun Police Department Chief Garry Moss.
Calhoun police officers were dispatched to check out the report of a child in a car on Dan Cherry Drive.
Lane told officers that she had dropped two children off at school and didn't realize a third was still in the vehicle, according to Moss.
Lane called authorities when she discovered the child around 12:25 p.m. Monday.
"The child appeared to be lethargic and dehydrated, and was treated by EMS at the scene. The child was stabilized and subsequently transported by ambulance to Gordon Hospital," Lt. Tony Pyle said. "[It] appears the caregiver simply forgot the child was in the vehicle and no foul play is suspected.
"The approximate time the child was in the vehicle alone was just over four hours," Pyle said.
The toddler was treated and released from Gordon Hospital and is expected to make a full recovery.
Lane is being held at the Gordon County Jail pending setting of bond.