Police: Smyrna woman Dao Le Truc left 16-month-old in car

COBB COUNTY, Ga. -- A mother is in custody after her child had to be transported to the hospital after apparently being left alone in a hot car at Cobb County mall on Wednesday.

The child's mother, Dao Truc Le, 22, of Smyrna, was arrested and charged with first degree cruelty to a child. She made her first court appearance on Thursday and was granted a $50,000 bond.

According to Cobb County Police, the 16 month-old was left inside the vehicle by her mother, while she went inside to work her job.

"The windows were all rolled up and the baby was sweating profusely," said Officer Alicia Chilton, Cobb County Police Department.

Mall security noticed the child at around 7 p.m. Wednesday. When first responders arrived on the scene, they found the child drenched in sweat and dehydrated with a fever.  She was taken to a local hospital where she was treated and released into protective custody. Authorities estimated the child had been in the car for two and half hours.

Representatives with the Town Center Mall released this statement regarding the situation:

"Town Center at Cobb management would like to commend the mall’s vigilant security team as well as first responders for their prompt response to this situation. We are working closely with local authorities to share any information that may assist in their investigation and ask that further inquiries be directed to the Cobb County Police Department at 770-499-3945."