Pennsylvania Mom Found Slumped Over Wheel With Toddler Alone in Running Car

At around 3:40, a construction worker outside The Wright Center at 5 S. Washington Avenue in Archbald reportedly heard a child crying inside a 2017 Mercedes-Benz that was running in the parking area. Deciding to ensure everything was alright, he took a closer look and found someone slumped over the steering wheel.

The person was identified as 41-year-old Gabrielle Lomonaco of Scranton, Pennsylvania. She was completely unresponsive, but that wasn’t what made this incident so serious. The 16-month-old child that the worker had heard was also inside the car, with no adult present and awake in the area, prompting the worker to call the authorities.

Bystanders reportedly managed to wake Lomonaco before the officers arrived. However, according to video footage that investigators reviewed, Lomonaco arrived at 2:13 p.m. and was not awakened until around 3:42 PM. This would mean that the toddler was left alone in the vehicle for approximately 90 minutes.

The bystanders brought Lomonaco and the child inside the medical facility, where an officer met them. According to police reports, Lomonaco said that she must have fallen asleep in the car. She also said that she took several medications and a muscle relaxer before driving to the appointment, denying any alcohol or illegal drug use.

Newsletter Free

GTA 6 news, leaks and rumours — rounded up and sent to your inbox. No spam, unsubscribe anytime.

Release-date and trailer news the moment it lands
Leaks and rumours, with our credibility rating attached
Map, character and vehicle deep-dives from the wiki

You’re on the list.

The next edition of The Vice Gazette will land in your inbox.

Get the full GTA 6 Bible experience

Daily game streaks, comments, and your rumour votes saved across devices.

Lomonaco Took Sobriety Tests and a Blood Draw

Despite what she previously said, the police reported that Lomonaco failed two field sobriety tests and consented to a blood draw, though the results of that aren’t public. She was also evaluated by emergency medical technicians, though she reportedly refused any further treatment before being transported to a hospital.

As for the child, Lomonaco’s boyfriend and stepmother arrived to pick up the child. After all, Lomonaco herself was reportedly charged with endangering the welfare of children, DUI, and driving while her license was suspended with a blood alcohol concentration over 0.02%. Bail was reportedly set at $7,500, with a preliminary hearing scheduled for October 22.