A Brevard County couple was arrested after police say they left their two young sons alone in the car for nearly an hour while grocery shopping.
It happened Wednesday night at the Winn-Dixie on Malabar Road in Palm Bay, according to investigators.
"If they were shopping as a couple, one could've stayed in the car with the kids," said Beth Burdette, who was shopping at the Winn-Dixie with her young son Thursday. "It's easier to shop with just one person and leave the kids in the car with the adult."
The parents, Emmanuel Ayala, 28, and Bethania Mendra-Rodriguez, 24, were inside the grocery store for nearly an hour as their two sons, ages 5 and 1, were left unattended in the car, according to Palm Bay police.
Their arrest report states that the car was running, the windows were rolled up, and the doors were unlocked.
"The air conditioning would be on, it won't get them quite as hot, but that makes it easier for a carjacker to take them," said Burdette.
Ayala and Mendra-Rodriguez were arrested and charged with leaving a child in car unattended for more than 15 minutes.
The Department of Children and Families says while they're investigating, the two boys are staying with other family members.
Both parents are currently being held at the Brevard County jail on a $1,000 bond.