Kitsap County sheriff’s deputies rescued an elderly woman who became trapped inside a Tesla for more than an hour after the vehicle was left in “Pet Mode” during warm weather.
Witnesses called 911 after noticing the woman in distress inside the parked car.
Deputies used a translation app to communicate with the woman, who spoke only Spanish. She told officers her granddaughter had left her inside the vehicle while running an errand.
Although Pet Mode is designed to keep the cabin cool while preventing pets from escaping, authorities said the air conditioning was not working, and temperatures inside the vehicle climbed to about 100 degrees.
Deputies eventually located the granddaughter at a nearby business, allowing the woman to be safely released.
The Kitsap County Sheriff’s Office said it has referred the incident to Adult Protective Services for review.
