Parents Accused of Leaving Toddlers in Locked Car During Wine Tasting

Police say two parents left their children in a locked car last weekend, while they attended a wine tasting in Washington, D.C.

A pedestrian called 911 around 4:30 p.m. after she heard a little girl crying hysterically as she walked by the vehicle in Foggy Bottom, according to police.

Upon arrival, police found a 2-year-old and a 1-year-old strapped into their car seats in the locked car, with the windows all the way up.

The parents, identified as Jennie Chang and Christopher Lucas, told police they left an iPhone in the car to monitor the children while they attended a wine tasting at the Ris, located on L Street. According to police, the restaurant manager said the couple was inside for more than an hour. 

Charges against Chang and Lucas were reduced to two counts of attempted child neglect. They are not allowed to contact the children before the next hearing Feb. 18, where they will ascertain attorneys.

Both children are currently in the custody of D.C. family services.

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