BLOOMINGTON, IN – A woman from Indiana stands accused of zipping a 2-year-old boy inside a suitcase and boarding a city bus, asserting it was a measure to “keep him warm.”

Ashley N. Gibson, 29, was apprehended last week and now faces charges of felony child neglect and misdemeanor criminal recklessness, according to court records.

The unusual incident took place on a Bloomington Transit bus on December 12, 2024. The bus driver soon noticed the child’s presence in the suitcase after Gibson got on, prompting the driver to pull over near West 3rd Street and alert authorities.

Officers from the Bloomington Police Department quickly responded and reviewed video footage from the bus. The evidence revealed that Gibson boarded shortly after 1:40 p.m., with the child zipped in the suitcase for at least 18 minutes.

Gibson allegedly admitted to keeping the child, described as properly dressed for the wintry day, in the suitcase to preserve warmth despite outdoor temperatures peaking at 37 degrees Fahrenheit. Nonetheless, law enforcement found the rationale particularly odd given the child’s suitable attire.

When pressed further, Gibson reportedly claimed she had consulted a family caseworker, who allegedly approved of her actions. Investigators, however, recommended charges, emphasizing the danger posed by enclosing a young child in a confined space.

Gibson was subsequently detained and processed at Monroe County Jail. At her initial court appearance, she entered a not guilty plea and was released under certain conditions set by the Department of Child Services, with representation by a public defender.

Court documents show that a pretrial conference is scheduled for March 9 in Monroe County Circuit Court, with a jury trial expected to commence on April 23.

Should she be found guilty, Gibson could potentially face up to 2 1/2 years of imprisonment.