Raleigh Mom Arrested for Leaving Her 6-Week-Old Baby in Freezing Car While Working at McDonald’s
RALEIGH, NC – A 21-year-old Raleigh mother, Nikita Jones, was arrested on Monday, Dec. 2, for allegedly leaving her six-week-old baby in a freezing car while working a shift at McDonald’s on E. South Street. She faces charges of misdemeanor child abuse and felony intentional child abuse causing serious physical injury.
Allegations
- Child Left in Cold Car: Police say Jones left her unrestrained newborn in her car on Nov. 21, turning the vehicle off despite outdoor temperatures of only 40 degrees.
- Physical Abuse: The day prior, Nov. 20, Jones allegedly struck the baby in the face, causing bruising to both eyes, swelling, and a facial scratch, according to arrest warrants obtained by WRAL.
Authorities have not disclosed how long the baby was left in the car or her current condition.
Charges and Bond
Jones is charged with:
- Misdemeanor child abuse
- Felony intentional child abuse causing serious physical injury
She was booked into jail with a $50,000 secured bond for the felony and a $5,000 bond for the misdemeanor. Jones is scheduled for a Dec. 10 arraignment on the felony charge and a Dec. 19 court appearance for the misdemeanor.
Child Safety Warning
The North Carolina Center for Missing Persons has issued a strong reminder to parents about the dangers of leaving children in cars, especially during extreme freezing weather or holiday shopping. They emphasized that children left unattended can face life-threatening conditions or become targets for kidnapping and car theft.
“Activities like stopping to pick up food, making a quick purchase at a gas station, or dropping off another child may seem harmless, but these brief moments can create opportunities for tragedy,” the center warned.
The Center also noted that car thieves act quickly and impulsively, especially during the busy holiday season, often unaware of or indifferent to who or what may be inside the vehicle.
Authorities continue to investigate the case while the community expresses outrage and concern for the baby’s well-being.
Photo: Wake County Bureau of Forensic Services