An Indiana woman has been charged with child endangerment after allegedly placing her 2-year-old child inside a suitcase during a bus ride, according to police reports.
Ashley Gibson, 29, was arrested in Bloomington on January 14 following an investigation into the December 12 incident. Authorities say Gibson boarded a Bloomington Transit bus carrying a suitcase and took a seat near the front. During the ride, she allegedly told the driver—or possibly spoke loud enough for him to hear—that her child was inside the suitcase.
The startling revelation prompted the driver to stop the bus and call the police. Surveillance footage reportedly showed Gibson opening the suitcase 18 minutes after boarding and pulling her toddler out. The child, who was dressed warmly for the weather, appeared unharmed.
When questioned by investigators, Gibson allegedly claimed she had put her child in the suitcase to keep him warm. She also reportedly mentioned that a caseworker had approved of her actions, though police have not confirmed this claim.
Authorities are still trying to determine when and where the child was placed in the suitcase and if any harm came to them during the ordeal.
Gibson now faces charges of child neglect causing endangerment and criminal recklessness. She has pleaded not guilty and is set to stand trial later this year.
