Michael and Tiffany Krueger of Kansas face six felony counts of aggravated child endangerment after allegedly leaving their six children, including two seven-month-old infants, in a vehicle on a sweltering day. The incident occurred on July 8 in Salina, Kansas, when the parents reportedly entered a Wingstop restaurant.
A bystander called 911 after observing the children in the car for 20 to 30 minutes. Officers from the Salina Police Department arrived around 2 p.m. to find the children inside the vehicle. The car's ignition was off, and only one window was slightly ajar. The outside temperature that day was 97 degrees Fahrenheit.
The children, identified as two seven-month-old twins, a two-year-old, a four-year-old, a five-year-old, and a 13-year-old, were evaluated by paramedics. While no serious medical issues were immediately apparent, authorities noted that assessing infants can be challenging. The children were subsequently placed into protective custody.
According to the criminal complaint, the parents are accused of recklessly causing or permitting a situation where the children's lives, bodies, or health were endangered. Michael Krueger, 53, and Tiffany Krueger, 40, were booked on six felony counts each.
Both appeared in court for initial hearings and are scheduled for further proceedings. If convicted, they could face sentences ranging from five to 17 months in prison per count, according to Kansas state law.
Officials emphasized the extreme danger of leaving children in hot vehicles. Sergeant Aaron Melby of the Salina Police Department stated that cars can become significantly hotter than the outside temperature, with temperatures potentially exceeding 120 degrees Fahrenheit, likening them to "little ovens." He added that a child's body temperature can rise three to five times faster than an adult's. Melby urged the public to report any unattended child in a vehicle, particularly on warm days, citing a good Samaritan law that protects those who report such incidents.
Melby noted that such calls are not uncommon, with the department receiving several each year. He stressed that while it may seem inconvenient, removing children from a vehicle or ensuring they are not left unattended is crucial for their safety. The Daily Mail reached out to the Salina Police Department and Wingstop for comment. It remains unclear if the Kruegers have legal representation.