Mom accused of leaving 4 kids in car at Norcross Walmart

GWINNETT COUNTY, Ga. — Gwinnett County police have arrested a 31-year-old mother accused of leaving her four children inside her car at a Norcross Walmart.

Police identified the woman as Arlete Markoudjo.

John Dunkley and his girlfriend told Channel 2's Amy Napier Viteri they were shopping at the store on Jimmy Carter Boulevard when they noticed the children.

"Four young children, looked to be newborn all the way up to maybe four," Dunkley said.

He said the car was unlocked and wasn't running with the windows up on a day that reached 90 degrees.

According to a police report, two of the kids were crying and the youngest, a one-month-old girl, was also crying and covered in sweat when officers arrived.

"I've never seen an infant sweat before, so I was like 'This is not happening on my watch," Dunkley said.

He ran inside the store to call 911 and said a crowd gathered around the car. He said he opened the doors to give kids some air until police arrived. Investigators said the children weren't able to tell them how long they had been alone.

Dunkley said Makoudjo came outside nearly half an hour after he noticed the kids. Police said Makoudjo asked what the big deal was and explained she was shopping for a bicycle air pump.

Viteri tried to reach Makoudjo by phone, but her voicemail wasn't accepting messages.

Police charged her with reckless conduct. They notified the Division of Family and Children Services and the children are staying with relatives.

WSBTV