Video released of man who allegedly stole SUV, left toddler
SOUTH PHILADELPHIA (WPVI) -- Philadelphia police have released video of a man who they say stole an SUV with a baby inside, then later left the child by the side of a road.
The video shows the suspect carrying a child safety seat with the 19-month-old clearly visible.
It happened around 5:30 p.m. Thursday near 8th and McKean in South Philadelphia.
Police say the child's mother was leaving the laundromat where she works, and ran inside for a moment to grab the child a toy.
"It was just maybe 10 seconds cause the baby was crying about a certain toy. She runs back into the business to get that toy. In a matter of seconds, the car is gone," said Philadelphia Police Inspector Ray Evers.
That's when police say the suspect, described as a tall black man with a light complexion and beard, hopped into a Toyota RAV4 that had the keys inside and the little girl in the back.
About 5 minutes later, the child and car seat were dropped off unharmed a few blocks away at 9th and Emily.
Action News spoke with a woman who says she saw it all.
"He ran back to the car and left. The baby was crying, she was cold. I hold it, she was pointing and saying, 'mommy, mommy', but I didn't know who was her mom, and my reaction was like call the cops," said the witness.
Medics responded to the scene where the child was dropped off and determined she was OK.
The suspect, seen wearing a gray hoodie and blue jeans, was captured on surveillance video.
The missing vehicles is described as being a 2014 model and teal in color, bearing Pennsylvania tag JMT-4312.
"We definitely warn all your viewers if for any chance, especially if you have a baby in the car, always lock your car," said Evers.
Anyone with information is asked to contact police.
