'Heavily intoxicated' mom left children in hot car at Bradenton home, deputies say

BRADENTON, Fla. (FOX 13) - A Bradenton mother was found intoxicated as her two children were sitting in a hot car, deputies said. 

Manatee County deputies responded to the Bradenton home of 35-year-old Andrea Cole after a call about a possible domestic disturbance. They said Cole allegedly locked herself in the home on 31st Street West.

Officials said while they were trying to make contact with Cole, they noticed two children inside a parked car in the driveway. Inside the vehicle was Cole’s children: A 3-week-old and a 2-year-old.

The vehicle was not running. Deputies said it was sitting in the direct sunlight with only one window rolled down. They said the approximate temperature inside the car was 93 degrees, with a heat index of 102 degrees. 

The infant was unresponsive, but deputies rendered aid and moments later the child was responsive again. The 2-year-old was found crying, not in a seat belt, and had signs of heat exhaustion.

Deputies said there was loose medication, open bottles of liquor and used diapers inside the car with the children.

When deputies made contact with Cole, they said she was “heavily intoxicated.” According to her arrest report, “she had no idea that she left her children in the car.” Deputies said she became hostile as they answered questions.

At one point, they said Cole “squared off her body…in an aggressive manner with [a] closed fist and stated she was going to fight them.” Deputies said she began to walk toward them with a closed fist. 
Cole was placed in handcuffs, but continued to be verbally aggressive, deputies said. 

One deputy went into the home to retrieve diapers and baby formula, and found trash scattered throughout the floors. The deputy also observed trash and soiled diapers on the couch and “every available table top,” according to Cole’s arrest affidavit.  There were also empty liquor bottles and soda cans through the home and floors. 

The deputy said there was no edible food for the infant or 2-year-old. There were numerous bites and sores on both children, along with a large mark on the infant’s neck, possibly from the car seat strap. Both children appeared to be OK during their medical evaluation. 

Cole was arrested for child neglect and resisting an arrest.