Father Arrested for Leaving Infant Unattended in Car at Walmart

On the afternoon of June 26, 2025, officers with the Salem Police Department were dispatched to the Walmart parking lot following a report of an infant left unattended in a parked vehicle. According to reports, the vehicle was turned off, with the windows down, and no guardian was present at or near the scene.

Dustin Goss, 42, of Salem

Officers Thomasson, Wilcoxson, and Deputy Naugle responded and located the vehicle in question. A search for the child’s guardian was conducted inside the store, and the child’s father, identified as Dustin Goss (42) of Salem, was located and escorted back to the vehicle.

After reviewing surveillance footage from Walmart, it was determined that the infant had been left alone in the vehicle for approximately 25 minutes in temperatures in the 90s, with a heat index of approximately 100 degrees. The Washington County Ambulance Service was called to assess the child’s condition. Following evaluation, the infant was released to the mother.

Goss was taken into custody at the scene, arrested, and transported to the Washington County Detention Center where he was booked on the following charge:

Neglect of a Dependent – Level 6 Felony

In a statement on Facebook, the Salem Police Department extended its thanks to the public for recognizing the dangerous situation and for notifying law enforcement, adding, "We also would like to strongly advise all parents to please keep a watchful eye on your little ones, and please remember that it is never okay to leave your child unattended in a car, especially on a hot June day."

All subjects are presumed innocent until proven guilty in a court of law.