Griselda Gaytan (Cameron County Jail Mugshot)
Cameron County Sheriff’s Department deputies didn’t have to go very far to arrest Griselda Gaytan.
The 26-year-old San Benito is accused of leaving two children in her SUV while visiting the Cameron County Jail.
Court records show deputies were called to the parking lot of the Carrizales-Rucker Detention Center in Olmito around noon on Sunday.
A concerned citizen reported that two children were inside a black Ford Expedition.
Deputies allegedly arrived right as Gaytan was walking up to the car, which had been left running and unlocked.
Gaytan’s 5-year-old child allegedly told her, “Mom, the baby has been crying.”
Deputies found Gaytan’s 10-month-old baby strapped into a baby carrier in the backseat.
The San Benito woman allegedly told deputies she took her 4-year-old daughter to the bathroom inside the building but stayed to talk to her sister-in-law in the jail’s visitation lobby.
Court documents did not give a specific reason why Gaytan was at the jail but visiting hours are listed from 8 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. on Sundays.
Deputies arrested Gaytan under two child abandonment/endangerment charges.
Gaytan remained in custody as of late Monday morning.
Authorities are urging Rio Grande Valley parents not to leave their children in their cars for any amount of time.
A 4-year-old Bronwsville girl died after she was found inside a hot car in the parking lot the 77 Flea Market off U.S. Expressway 77/83 hours after Gaytan's arrest.
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