Investigators say Jennifer Ramirez had left her daughter, Nariya, inside the air-conditioned vehicle while unloading groceries to keep her out of Wednesday's extreme heat. But a thief jumped into the car and drove off around 2:30 p.m.
The car was found about a half-hour later more than two miles away when a passer-by noticed her inside the ditched vehicle and returned the last call received by the cellphone inside. The little girl was unhurt.
Authorities say they don't have a description of the thief but are checking the vehicle for fingerprints.