Neighbors React To Couple's Arrest In Leaving 3-Year-Old Daughter In Hot Car

FULLERTON (CBSLA.com) — A married couple of dentists in Fullerton are facing charges after allegedly leaving their 3-year-old daughter locked in a hot minivan.

The girl was left in the Brea mall parking lot Sunday while her parents shopped inside, according to Brea police.

Ho Kim, 33 and her husband Tae Kim, 35, were booked into the Brea City Jail. They were released from jail after each posted $100,000 bail.

CBS2/KCAL9 reporter Michele Gile went to the Kim family home, where the black minivan as parked in the driveway and an unidentified woman greeted her at the door.

Three car seats could be seen strapped to the backseats of the minivan.

Officers said the temperature was 91 degrees outside and 104 degrees inside the vehicle when the girl was spotted around 4:45 p.m. Sunday. The windows were reportedly rolled up. Investigators estimate the child had been inside the minivan 15 to 20 minutes.

"I can't believe it. They seem to take good care of their children. I mean, it's very shocking," neighbor Joyce Chun said.

Neighbors say the parents work as dentists at a medical facility on Harbor Boulevard in Fullerton. Employees there refused to comment.

People who live on the Kims' quiet street couldn't believe the accusations against the couple.

"You don't ever leave anything in the car — I don't care if it's a dog or a human being, you don't leave 'em in the car. Especially if it's a baby. Who was watching? I mean, if somebody broke into the car?" neighbor Skip Evans said.

Police were able to get the toddler to unlock the van's door so she could be rescued and taken to a hospital.

The girl was reportedly in good condition.

She and her siblings were in the custody of relatives.