North Fulton County

Mother leaves child in car to take nursing exam

SANDY SPRINGS, Ga. — Sandy Springs police charged a mother they say left her toddler in a running, unlocked car.

Destyni Triplett, 19, told Channel 2’s Mike Petchenik she didn’t intend for her son to be alone for long. %

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Triplett says she had a test at nursing school Thursday and her babysitter canceled on her. The boy’s father had agreed to meet her at the school to watch their son, but he never showed up. So, Triplett left the boy strapped into his car seat with the car running and air conditioning on.

“His dad was supposed to be there,” she said.

Sandy Springs police Sgt. Forrest Bohannon says a security officer at the nursing school found the 18-month-old crying in the unlocked car in the parking lot in front of the school.

“It was very dangerous for the child,” he said. “Anything could have happened. It was a dangerous situation for the child to be left alone at a year and a half in the vehicle.”

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Bohannon says officers found Triplett inside the school taking her test. They say the boy had only been alone for 15 minutes when someone noticed him.

“The child was fine when they got there. The car had been running with the air conditioning on, so it hadn't gotten that hot yet,” Bohannon said.

Triplett, who is now charged with reckless conduct, says she considers herself a good mom.

“Looking back, I would have definitely taken him in, but I wasn't thinking and I made a terrible mistake,” she said.

Triplett says child services paid her a visit, but so far she has been able to keep her son.

She says she hopes to finish her schooling to provide for her child.