LPD captain cited for child abuse after leaving 2-year-old in car

LINCOLN, Neb. (KLKN) — Around 4 p.m. on Aug. 23, deputies with the Lancaster County Sheriff’s Office (LSO) were dispatched to Pawnee Lake.

The report said there was a child left unattended inside a vehicle for around 25 minutes. Reports said the vehicle was not running, the windows were up and the temperature outside was 77 degrees.

Before the deputies arrived at the scene, the mother removed her 2-year-old from the vehicle.

They contacted the child’s mothers, who were identified as off-duty Lincoln Police Department Captain Mayde McGuire, 54, and Mary Tobiassen, 49.

McGuire was tested for alcohol consumption and a preliminary breath test showed a result of .108.

Both McGuire and Tobiassen were cited for child abuse. McGuire has been placed on leave during an internal investigation.

“Temperatures inside a vehicle can rise quickly, even when outdoor temperatures may not seem extreme. Children should never be left unattended in a vehicle,” said Sheriff Terry Wagner.