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Grandmother arrested after police find crying, unclothed children in New Hyde Park

Police say Claudia Garcia Zelaya had left the boys at home with a 13-year-old relative, who departed at an unknown time.

News 12 Staff

Jul 18, 2026, 6:11 AM

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A New Hyde Park woman was arrested Thursday afternoon after her young grandsons were found unattended, according to police.

Officers say they responded to a witness report of two unclothed, crying children alone in a driveway near Covert Avenue. Upon arrival, they discovered a two-year-old and five-year-old.

Further investigation revealed that Claudia Garcia Zelaya had left the boys at home with a 13-year-old relative, who departed at an unknown time.

Court documents also say Zelaya was supposed to be caring for the children while their mother went to a job interview.

The boys were unharmed and released to another family member following the investigation.

Police say the 51-year-old grandmother is charged with child endangerment. She was arraigned Friday at First District Court in Hempstead.

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