Heidi Gusman, 51, was booked at the Stainislaus County Public Safety Center by Oakdale police for child and animal cruelty
A California mother was arrested on Sunday after leaving her 11-year-old son along in a moving truck with 39 cats in substantial heat.
Heidi Gusman, 51, was booked at the Stainislaus County Public Safety Center by Oakdale police for child and animal cruelty. Her bail is set at $50,000.
Police responded to calls around 4pm at the Motel 6 at 825 East F St. reporting a hysterical woman who was said to be looking for cats.
Once arriving, police spoke with Gusman.
‘Officers were also notified by other citizens they heard loud banging noises coming from inside a nearby moving truck,’ a statement from the police read, according to The Modesto Bee.
‘Officers determined the prior noises were related to Gusman’s 11-year-old son and 39 cats that were left unattended inside the cargo area of the truck, appearing to be in significant distress from the magnified effects of the day’s high heat.’
Police were called to the scene of a Motel 6 at 825 East F St. and Gusman was on high alert looking for her cats
Sunday’s high was recorded as being 102 degrees Fahrenheit.
Child Protetive Services took Gusman’s son into protective custody. The woman’s 16-year-old daughter was also placed in protective custody, according to police Lt. Joe Carrillo.
The cats were taken to Oakdale Animal Shelter.
Gusman appeared to be in between residences, according to Public Information Officer Janeen Yates.
There were clothes said to also be inside the rental truck, along with other items.
Oakdale officers discovered a moving truck with her 11-year-old son inside along with 39 cats. All the cats were taken to Oakdale Animal Shelter
Carrillo added that the children’s aunt was also living in the Motel with Gusman. She did not appear to have committed any crimes and was released soon after.
Gusman had most recenly been living in northeast Modesto, according to public records.
Neighbors told reporters that the children stayed with their mother but kept to themselves.
Another shared that she was baffled by the number of cat carriers being taken from the home when they moved.