Children Left In Van, Mom Arrested

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Glenwood teacher placed on administrative leave
Posted: 12:13 PM May 5, 2008
Last Updated: 5:58 PM May 5, 2008

60 comments

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A Glenwood, Iowa woman has been arrested for allegedly leaving her three young children in a minivan while she went shopping.

Police say Cindy Zimmerly left her children, ages five, three and one, in the van while she shopped at a Wal-Mart in Council Bluffs on April 27th.

Police say she returned to the van after about 30 minutes, but left again for about 20 minutes. Zimmerly is accused of child endangerment. She was released from jail after posting bond.

She is a special education teacher at Glenwood's Northeast Elementary School. School officials say she's been placed on administrative leave while the district investigates.

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Posted by: me on May 11, 2009 at 10:01 AM
I can tell you this people. It DOES make a HUGE difference where you are when these so called HORRIBLE actions are taken. I can tell you that I do believe she was DEAD wrong for leaving her kids in the car while she went into Walmart in COUNCIL BLUFFS. I mean.... COME ON. And she is a teacher??? WOW. But it still doesnt mean she's a bad person. A little on the stupid side possibly but not a bad person. I don't disagree with the fact you should never leave your kids in a car or anywhere for that matter where you can't see them. I went into Kum and Go this morning after parking right by the door to get a pop from the cooler ( in front of the door ) for 20 seconds and had my eyes on my 3 yr old the whole time but wouldnt you know it some valiant lady decides to tell me I'm a horrible father for leaving him in there for 20 secs while watching him. ( which in IA is not illegal whatsoever if you can maintain visual). Still, leaving kids in car while in wal mart is a NO NO. Shame

Posted by: cindy on May 10, 2008 at 10:31 AM
there is only a higher power that could make that decision. iknow it was a poor choice at the time but that does not mean she meant to endanger anybody. i will always stand behind her she is a good person.. god bless you cindy and he knows the real truth even if others want to distort it.i have known cindy for quite sometime now and just to let the public know this is not the type of person or mother that cindy is. she is very concerned at all times about all children. this is a mistake on her part that any parent could make. but not one she should be crucified for.

Posted by: Amber on May 9, 2008 at 09:00 AM
Kent - you are abosolutely right, she did leave her kids alone in a car, but again, who are you to judge people or pass judgement on them? THAT is the point! Terry, you are right, I am sadden to live somewhere where people are PERFECT, it is a hard expectation to live up too. It is good to know that my Savior is the only one whom I care about judging me which gives me peace.

Posted by: sunny on May 8, 2008 at 10:56 PM
First off everyone just needs to mind there own business that is the problem with socity these days is everyone has their nose in everyones business. So she did and she will have to pay the consiqences so be it No one is perfect. It just so happens that my children go to the school but do you see me judgeing no. The other thing is there are a lot worse cases going on out there that nothing gets done. I have report nurmous times about situations of kids being in homes where theres drugs and the kids have actually injested them and kids being burised from head to toe and burn marks on the kids from lighters and not being fed ect ect these are the kinds of things that need to be worried about.

Posted by: Kent on May 8, 2008 at 02:50 PM
Amber, you think we have absolutely no idea the type of mother Cindy is? You're wrong. We know she's the type of mother to leave her young children in the car, alone, in an unsafe area. I regret that others have taken to adding false information to the story, but we do know enough truth to pass judgement.

Posted by: Chris on May 8, 2008 at 02:38 PM
Big difference between playing in the yard and being in a vehicle unattended

Posted by: Terry on May 8, 2008 at 01:11 PM
Who knew there were so many perfect people in the state of Iowa. There have been very few facts released, yet all of you commenting seem to know exactly what happened and what type of person the mother is. Well, I in fact do know the parents involved and that they are very good people/parents. If I were you all, and I'm glad I'm not, I would be careful casting that stone because it may just reflect back and smash that glass house you all may be living in. Take a look at yourselves from time to time...we've all made mistakes in our lives that could have turned out much worse than they did. I'll bet well over half of you have gotten behind the wheel of a car under the influence, or driven beyond the speed limit, or even argued with your own children while driving and in the process endangered more lives than you could count on one hand. Hypocrisy runs high in the state of Iowa. Shame on all of you.

Posted by: John on May 8, 2008 at 04:56 AM
She needs to have those kids taken away. A one year old. Come on, this lady isnt right. What is she thinking? I dont even let my 3 year old in the car, when I put the cart back. I hope this lady gets let go from teaching.

Posted by: Amber on May 7, 2008 at 01:58 PM
First off all, I wanted to say is who are all of you? Who gave you the right to JUDGE someone you DON'T know. You have gotten your information from a WEBSITE!!! You have absolutely no idea (and I am not justifying her actions) who Cindy is or the type of mother she is. To crack of a PINHEAD comment of probably having three different dads is one of the saddest comments I read. Seriously, you could think of better things to do with you time then to write FALSE information about people. I think they are called RUMORS if I am correct. What is wrong with waiting to let the legal system do their jobs before you start speculating on her mothering skills. I personally find all of this discussion very ungodly and very disheartening that this is the type of world we have come to. If people were more concerned with themselves instead of how other people act perhaps our society would be much better!!!!! NO ONE IS PERFECT - only God and he will be the only one there on judgement day. NotU!

Posted by: Anonymous on May 7, 2008 at 10:44 AM
Katie, there's a big difference between making a decision that turned out to be bad and knowingly choosing to do something stupid.

Posted by: Anonymous on May 6, 2008 at 11:44 PM
I'm sure she's seen, just as we all have, the countless little lives taken or placed in danger due to even the smallest hint of negligence. This is no small matter people, how could anyone take something so lightly when it involves children? No young children and an infant mind you. This is the kind of negligent oaf who would allow her children to run across the street or play in a fenceless yard without her supervision just because she wants to watch the soaps. Really if she is that ignorant she should not be allowed her children back. That is how children get into dangerous situations, parents who are too lazy to take responsibility and who assume things will be alright. Sometimes things just aren't alright, and never will be again. It can happen so fast.

Posted by: Katie on May 6, 2008 at 09:29 PM
Hey Jen and all others who are “perfect” parents, have you ever let your child play outside while you were in the house visiting, talking on the, doing laundry? How about letting them visit friends; do you know always know that the adults are around? Are you sure your babysitter is trustworthy. Anything can happen at ANYTIME, no matter what the circumstances. Yes, it is 2008, but things were just as bad in the 60s, 70s & 80s. The ONLY difference is that this is the Media Age; people in adjoining states know what has happened before family. And by that evening it's public knowledge everywhere. So you catch up, do the research, look into the past. Poor judgements are everywhere...sorry we are not as perfect as you.

Posted by: Jeff on May 6, 2008 at 09:22 PM
It's good to see most people are sane and recognize Cindy Zimmerly's fault for leaving her children in harm's way. To Peggy and her followers: I bet you buy lottery tickets and expect to win against incredible odds, but you’re willing to risk your children's lives and expect them to be safe when the odds aren't worth it. Like Laura said of the 60s and 70s, "most of us survived." To point out the obvious, that means many didn't survive. There's no sense in using that era to justify Zimmerly's actions this day.

Posted by: Former Social Worker on May 6, 2008 at 05:05 PM
It's simply not okay to leave a child (or 3) in a car alone for that period of time...whether it's in Glenwood or Council Bluffs or anywhere (read the article, it says she's FROM Glenwood, but they were in CB). Secondly, she didn't leave them in there for "a few minutes" as people have been saying, they were in there alone for a total of 50 minutes. Times have changed, this isn't the 60's, 70's, 80's, or even the 90's...there are laws! As a teacher, she is a mandatory reporter therefore she could lose her job for the simple fact that someone charged with child abuse can't really be trusted to report others for doing the same thing! And Katie, regardless of the circumstances, she left her children alone for an hour...that's not exactly the time span for a long line...read the article befor you comment!

Posted by: Nancy on May 6, 2008 at 04:41 PM
I can't believe how inane many of your comments are. This is like a game of telephone--get the facts--you obviously are operating on speculation. I know this woman and she did have a lapse in judgment, but she is not a bad mother. How many of you are blameless when it comes to your parenting? The temperature that day was not 105--try subtracting 50 degrees! The kids were not misbehaving! She is married and has been for years and there have not been 3 different fathers--talk about judgmental! She is a very good teacher and mother and loves her children dearly. You do not know what predisposed her to make this bad judgment that day. The kids are okay and yes she should be thankful for that--as well she is. I can only pray that the legal system will be fair and reasonable--something most of you are incapable of. What was that I remember from my Sunday school days about not throwing stones!

Posted by: Terri on May 6, 2008 at 03:44 PM
Okay Peggy your comment is asinine, you don't leave little children in a car alone. Anything could have happened during her shopping trip. The five year old could of opened the door, wandered out got hit by a car, kidnapped and God only knows what could of happened to the others. The lady is darn lucky angels were protecting those babies, this should be a wake up call for everyone who is writing in to her defense who obviously do this type of thing all the time. I hope angels are also watching your children. Don't have them if you can't care for them.

Posted by: Jarbeau on May 6, 2008 at 03:16 PM
Are we being a bit judgmental here? She will get the punishment that fits the crime. She will take parenting classes so she can be as good a parent as all of you people. With so many wonderful, flawless parents out there, it's surprising any kids choose the wrong path. In short, get off your high horses and attend to your own affairs.

Posted by: MJ on May 6, 2008 at 02:46 PM
I believe she should loose her job. My kid goes to Glenwood and I'd like to think that they hire teachers with basic common sense. Losing her job is a small price to pay for gambling with three precious kids' lives. Maybe it'll make her think twice about being stupid. Look, all mom's have days when they need a break. Very few moms put their kids in harms way to take one!

Posted by: K on May 6, 2008 at 02:29 PM
What a piece of work. I take my 4, 2, and 1 yr olds around Walmart or Hy-Vee all the time, no problem. I can't think of any excuse not to take them in - even if she couldn't get a sitter or wait til hubby is home (assuming there IS a hubby). Even if she was so sure no one would steal them, why put the little kids through that scary torture? People should have to be licensed to breed.

Posted by: s on May 6, 2008 at 01:06 PM
All these comments about back in the 60's, 70's, 80's??? This is 2008, she should count her blessings (all three of them) Teacher or not, she is a bad mother!

Posted by: jen on May 6, 2008 at 12:40 PM
All you people who think this is okay are insane! You think a 5 year old is capable of taking care of two kids?! And - this is not the 1960s or 70s anymore, times have changed...catch up!

Posted by: Katie on May 6, 2008 at 11:52 AM
Has anyone thought that it's possible there were other circumstances that lead her to make the choice she did? For example, maybe she intended to be gone for just a few minutes & didn't expect the length of the lines to be long. Or maybe the children were sick & she needed to get stuff for them. She did not beat the children, starve them and the weather was not too hot or too cold. No one has heard her side of the story. If we do not know the person we should not be judging. And "Tami" how do you know that this reflects her teaching? She might be a great teacher, kids might lover her and her fellow workers might swear by her. No one can say they never made a worng choice in their life. I am confident that you have, just like I have. So worry about your own lives.

Posted by: D on May 6, 2008 at 10:01 AM
This is sickening. Several years ago, just after having my baby, I went to the doctor and he was asleep in his car seat the whole way there. I went in for 20 minutes, came out, and realized I had left him in the car. Thankfully I was parked in the shade and it wasn't a hot day, but I was sick to my stomach that I allowed that to happen. He was so new and so quiet, my mind just spaced. I sat in my car and cried, thinking of what could have been. I wanted to drive myself to the authorities and turn myself in. I couldn't believe it! It was an honest brainless mistake. I can not IMAGINE intentionally leaving ANY of my children in the car alone. If they aren't old enough to be left home alone, what makes you think they should be left in the car alone? And, they are not devils. If you can't control them, stay home and have someone go to the store for you or go later. You can't replace your children. There are endless "what if's" that could have happened. Thankfully the kids are ok.

Posted by: LOL @ Anonymous on May 6, 2008 at 07:33 AM
You probably have a few lawyers scurrying aroung hoping to get a lawsuit going against Walmart now!

Posted by: amanda on May 6, 2008 at 07:11 AM
wow ! people actually are on this womans side for leaving her kids in the car? what is this world coming to. weather its 2 mins or 4 hours kids shouldnt be left in the car. and really why should a 5 year old be left responsible for a 3 and 1 year old! council bluffs is not the place to leave ur kids in the car and that age they are sooooo defenseless! shame on you! take them to a sitter or leave them home with a relative if u dont want to take them to the store! anything but leave them in the car!

Posted by: Teresa on May 6, 2008 at 04:47 AM
I can't believe the poster that said she should sue because Wal-Mart didn't have signs Are you really that stupid?? It's not Wal-Mart's fault because this lady is so ignorant!! Parents know not to leave their kids left alone in a car. She DOES deserve jail time for putting her kids in harms way.

Posted by: Not buyin it on May 6, 2008 at 02:32 AM
I don't believe for a second that 'Peggy' and 'I'm with Peggy' are taking this seriously. No one in the right frame of mind could justify this. I'm sure they're just trying to get everyone riled up.

Posted by: tack on May 6, 2008 at 01:04 AM
Things have really changed over the years. Back in the 80's when my kids were 5, 2 and a newborn, I left them to run into the store for milk or TP. They were fine, in car seats and it was not illegal. I think if punishment is warrented here, then fine her not fire her.

Posted by: Ally on May 5, 2008 at 11:52 PM
'Peggy' and 'I'm With' your comments show how truly pathetic and self-centered and totally selfish you are. That you have the sheer gall to state that you don't want your kids making noise while your'e shopping- THEN WHY DO YOU BRING THEM ALONG???? It's truly beyond pathetic that both of you seem to have so little concern for the CHILDREN"S WELFARE that you have the sheer gall to think that everyone's picking on this 'poor' woman. With your attitudes why did you have kids???? These are small children and they don't know what to do in case of an emergency or if someone had tried to steal the car/kids!!! So 'Peggy' and 'I'm with.." if you're that selfish and self-centered, I really hope someone else has parental authority over your kids so you can 'shop without noise.' You both are truly wonderful and selfish pieces of work

Posted by: Joe M on May 5, 2008 at 11:43 PM
Hey 'I'm With Peggy', if you don't want your children interrupting your precious shopping - DON'T BRING THEM WITH YOU WHEN YOU GO! It can only take a moment or two for someone to try and grab a child or worse yet, if the child had a medical condition and needed immediate attention! So 'I'm With Peggy', spare us your hypocrisy. It'd be interesting to see if YOU leave your kids in your vehicle when YOU go shopping so you won't be 'disturbed by the noise'...How pathetic.

Posted by: Tami on May 5, 2008 at 11:30 PM
This is unbelieveable, she should lose her job and do time for this crime!! I have a disabled daughter and if she was a teacher at my childs school I would be up there demanding her job be terminated this is insane and I do not care how bad your kids are being you do not leave them in a car for any length of time!!!! This is CHILD ABUSE!!!!!!!!!!!!

Posted by: Anonymous on May 5, 2008 at 10:20 PM
As a teacher, I think this is terrible. She should know better! For those of you saying it was alright for her to do this, your putting your child at risk. Just for a few minutes so the children won't disturb your shopping.

Posted by: shanon on May 5, 2008 at 09:33 PM
There always have been pervs lurking around everycorner and there always have been neglectfull mothers. There is no excuse for this mother to have left her children the way she did at this shopping center. Her education and knowledge working within the school system should have gained her.In todays word we see alot of things we wish we could do something about that is wronge and wish we could act on it without the reprecussions.This here is one of those cases where a public is given the chance to say hey that is wronge and I feel sick about it and make it their business to care about these kids or the dog, or what ever you leave in your car in a public place for everyone to see.

Posted by: TA on May 5, 2008 at 08:12 PM
Thank god these kids are okay. Just think of all the creepie people out there that could have preyed on these kids. This lady really needs to brush up on her parenting skills. Common sense should have kicked in. Honestly though this kind of thing happens a lot more than we hear about.

Posted by: Dan on May 5, 2008 at 07:48 PM
Who the heck is this lady Peggy posting these comments saying its not a big deal and leave her alone? This lady was wrong to leave kids in the car despite being in Glenwood etc. How stupid of a comment. Its irrepsonable period. There is a difference in leaving a 10, 12, 14 in car but not a 5, 3 and 1. This is a no brainer and I am willing to bet this so called mom these kids are are proabably from 3 different dads. Ya now there is a brainer. And you wonder why kids grow up with no clue on what to do in life.

Posted by: to "I'm with Peggy" on May 5, 2008 at 07:42 PM
She didn't leave them in GLENWOOD, she left them in the Walmart Council Bluffs! That is preditor city. Did she want something to happen to them?! I'm sorry, but parenting classes are NOT punishment enough. She does need jail time at least a day for every minute she left the kids in the car.

Posted by: Nell on May 5, 2008 at 05:51 PM
How can someone that stupid get to be a teacher? Is this some new program to have "special" teachers teaching special ed? Sure it was a nice day, and the likelihood of anything actually happening to the kids was low, but as a mandatory reporter, she should know that leaving children that young unattended for even 3 minutes is considered child neglect under Iowa law.

Posted by: Jen on May 5, 2008 at 05:38 PM
I can understand not wanting to drag the kids along on a shopping trip, but this is inexcusable. The kids might have left the car to try to find her and been run over, or gotten lost, or been abducted -- any number of horrible things. Find a sitter, for Pete's sake! Pay a responsible teenage neighbor five or ten bucks to watch your kids while you shop. Ask a retired neighbor; call a relative. I know it's not easy being a parent, but you can't put your kids in danger like that. While I don't think jail time is warranted, I do think she should be required to pass some parenting classes and learn some alternative ways of dealing with the challenges of parenthood. Kudos to the alert people who noticed the situation and took action; they might have saved a little one's life.

Posted by: I'm with Peggy on May 5, 2008 at 05:32 PM
I see nothing wrong with leaving the kids in the car for a few minutes. I don't want them running around disturbing my shopping and making all kinds of noise. Leave the kids in the car- just not all day. It's not like it's 105 outside and she left the windows up. She left them on a beautiful spring day in GLENWOOD, for pete's sake!

Posted by: Laura on May 5, 2008 at 05:07 PM
Peggy you need a clue, even little devils should not be left in a hot car, not a child, not an animal. She shouldnt even of had 3 kids because she lacks common since.

Posted by: babs on May 5, 2008 at 04:36 PM
the problem is that after the FIRST time she left them, she had been confronted by a customer about it! But still went in anyway. Even 2 minutes, is too long. A lot can happen in that time!

Posted by: Tracy on May 5, 2008 at 04:30 PM
Like G below, my Mom also left me in the car while she went shopping, that was in the early 70's, there were not people lurking around every corner trying to take a child and do unimaginable things to them. It is a different world than we grew up in. I am sure there are Child preditors that shop at Walmart, this would be like hanging a sign on your car saying "come take my kids", I hope this makes people think before they leave their kids in the car, it only takes a moment for something horrible to happen, please don't make it easier. Pets might be helpless, but a child can open a door to a stranger.

Posted by: Mom of 5 on May 5, 2008 at 04:22 PM
For Peggy I agree that the kids were most likely being pills, but you don't leave a 5,3, and 1 year old in a van. That is what leads to them being injured or even taken. Being gone for 30 minutes and then another 20, is asking for trouble for yourself and your children. In this day and age someone could of taken the van with the children in it and one Lord knows what would of happened then. As a teacher she should know better. This is not the 60's or 70's and it is just to risky.

Posted by: Delancey on May 5, 2008 at 04:20 PM
Sorry G & Peggy...you are both wrong. There are a lot of parenting practices that went on during the 60's and 70's that would now be considered irresponsible. Either way, this woman put her children in harm's way needlessly. What person with common sense would leave children ages 5, 3, and 1 alone in a car? As a teacher, Ms. Zimmerly certainly should know better!

Posted by: Greg on May 5, 2008 at 03:49 PM
A couple of years ago in Rock Island, IL, my hometown, a mother left her three kids in a car while she shopped at K-Mart. While she was in there, the oldest, about 3 years old, managed to set the car on fire and by the time anyone could help, all but the baby managed to escape. The baby, a 9-month old, burned up in there. Those of you that say we should mind our own business, well, we shouldn't. I don't believe she should lose her job, but she should face charges of neglect. Animals should also never be left unattended in a vehicle.

Posted by: CM on May 5, 2008 at 03:48 PM
I cannot believe the comments condoning this woman's actions!! Sure, things have changed but not necessarily for the better. Forty years ago you could leave your child(ren) in a car while you shopped. Hell, you could leave them in the park while you went to shop. But...in today's world of perverts and senseless violence, you darn near have to have body armor for them with a built in GPS! Now, I don't think she should spend the next 50 years in jail but a teacher should know better. Don't they have classes they teach called "Stranger Danger?" I'm sorry but I have to agree that this woman was out of line and must be punished.

Posted by: Erin on May 5, 2008 at 03:47 PM
Peggy, are you blind, or did you see the ages of the children...5, 3, & 1...and you refer to them as "little devils"? shame on you...as if they even asked to be here in the first place...you sound as if they should be grateful food is provided for them! Children are precious gifts...our priorities are so out of whack in this society we tend to forget that! There are plenty of childless families out there who are ready to cherish the children others neglect!

Posted by: JLA on May 5, 2008 at 03:24 PM
To Laura, some kids are too little to figure out how to open a door and get help, they don't know any better sometimes. No way would the one year old in that car know to do that. Either way, I would not leave my kids OR my pets in the car alone, it is a stupid thing to do and you're just asking for trouble.

Posted by: Laura on May 5, 2008 at 03:07 PM
I agree with G below. In the 60's -- and in my case the 70's -- this sort of thing went on all the time. We weren't hovered over the way kids are today, and most of us survived. And were perhaps better off. Of course, I'll admit, times were a lot different back then too. But as long as we're having this conversation, don't leave your pets in the hot (or cold) car either. Kids, at least, have the power to open the door and get help if they need it. Pets are helpless.

Posted by: Peggy on May 5, 2008 at 02:34 PM
The kids were probably acting up. Leave her alone and mind your own business. She was probably buying food to keep the little devils fed.

Posted by: Anonymous on May 5, 2008 at 02:23 PM
What a stupid lady

Posted by: Bob on May 5, 2008 at 02:17 PM
How many children are going to have to die before parents get a clue? DON'T leave your children alone in a hot vehicle. The fact that she's a teacher makes this case more unbelievable.

Posted by: Too bad on May 5, 2008 at 02:05 PM
This is sad. I have three children the same age and would never leave them alone. It's a struggle to drag them around sometimes, but you deal with it. Guess she won't have to worry about the inconvenience once the courts finish with her.

Posted by: Anonymous on May 5, 2008 at 01:57 PM
She should sue walmart for not having signs posted stating that children should not be left in their cars.

Posted by: Deb on May 5, 2008 at 01:51 PM
I hope she's punished! How many kids have to die in locked cars or be taken by creeps before people like this get a clue...IT'S NOT SAFE!!!

Posted by: Anonymous on May 5, 2008 at 01:27 PM
Some people should not breed. Rent a clue, do not leave children alone like that!

Posted by: G on May 5, 2008 at 01:23 PM
Maybe the kids were a little young. I think a fine is all that's needed here. She shouldn't have to loose her job over this harmless incident. I remember my mom leaving me in the car while she shopped (thank god). But she also whipped me with a switch. That was back in the 60s. Of course today she'd go to prison. It's like someone took all the common sense out of our society. What a messed up country.

Posted by: curious on May 5, 2008 at 01:21 PM
So what is the legal age a child can be in a vehicle by themselves?

Posted by: jjj on May 5, 2008 at 01:08 PM
unimaginable! thank god it wasn't in the heat of summer.

Posted by: CS on May 5, 2008 at 12:26 PM
This woman ought to get down on her knees and thank God that her children are still alive and not dead or kidnapped. What is wrong with people these days??? I can't get over the complete lack of regard for human life that some of these so called "mother's" have for their children. No way on this earth would I ever dream of leaving my children (at that age) in the car alone. How does one even have any conscience doing something like that? Sick, sick, sick. And to all those parents whose children are in her class, this is what you have teaching your child! Fine, fine, example. Unbelievable.