May 20, 2026 – Merced County Sheriff’s Office officials report that on the afternoon of May 15, 2026, Deputies responded to a residence in the 2400 block of Beachwood Drive in Merced for a report of a child left in a car. The child was located by a Child Protective Services employee who was conducting follow-up at the residence for previous allegations of neglect. The child appeared to be sweating profusely and almost unconscious. After receiving medical care, the child was put in the care of a family member.

The mother, 26-year-old Elizabeth Arms, was arrested and booked into the Merced County Jail for felony child abuse. The outcome in this incident could have been very different if the child had not been found in time.

This is a stark reminder that a vehicle's temperature can rise to dangerous levels within minutes, even on a mild day. Please always check for your children before leaving your vehicle. This remains an ongoing investigation.

Anyone with information can contact the Merced County Sheriff’s Office at 209.385.7445.

Source: Merced County Sheriff’s Office