At what age is it OK to leave a child in a car?

INDIANAPOLIS (WISH) - It happened again. But this time, the car wasn't hot. And the child was 10-years-old.

A boy was left in an unattended car at Lafayette Square mall Monday. His 68-year-old grandmother, Willa Crawley, was arrested and is facing neglect charges. IMPD Officer Michael Hewitt said the 10-year-old "was in good condition."

This incident has parents now asking if there is an age when it is OK to leave a child in the car. Indiana state law doesn't have an age requirement, so how does law enforcement determine when a parent is charged with neglect?

"With the younger child there is not an age by statute. It is left up to common sense on the parent's part," Hewitt said.

State law doesn't say when a parent or guardian can leave their child in a car. The same is true for leaving kids at home alone. In fact, the law says it's up to the parent's discretion.

Because the law is so vague, Hewitt suggested playing it safe.

"If your child is not old enough to be driving that car, I wouldn't leave my kids in a car unattended for any amount of time," Hewitt said.

Pamela McLaurin, a friend and neighbor of Crawley, defends her friend's decision.

"I know Willa too well to know it was not neglect," McLaurin said. She also believes that a parent knows whether or not their child is responsible enough to be alone.

Crawley’s grandson is in the care of child protective services. McLaurin hopes the charges against her neighbor are dismissed.

"She is the sweetest, kindest person," McLaurin said. "Her house is where all the neighborhood children wind up."