Suspect search continues after car stolen with child inside in Delaware; girl found safe in Philly
The car is described as a 2010 gray Nissan Altima with Delaware registration 562644.
NEWARK, Delaware (WPVI) -- A 1-year-old girl from New Castle County, Delaware - who was in the backseat of a car when it was stolen on Wednesday night - has been found safe in Philadelphia.
The girl was transported to St. Christopher's Hospital in the city's Hunting Park neighborhood, where she was checked out and reunited with her parents.
Police in Delaware were initially called for reports of a stolen vehicle around 5:30 p.m. at a 7-Eleven located on South Gerald Drive in Newark.
Officers say a car had been left running when a man dressed in a gray hoodie, black jacket, and camo pants jumped in the driver's seat and drove away with the child in the back.
Around 7:30 p.m., Philadelphia police were notified that a 1-year-old girl was handed to strangers outside a Fine Wine and Good Spirits store on the 2700 block of North American Street near Lehigh Avenue.
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Officers then brought the girl to St. Christopher's to make sure she was okay.
"This had the potential to be much worse," Corporal Michael McNasby with New Castle County Police told Action News. "With vehicle thefts through the roof, not just in Delaware but through the tri-state area, you really have to be careful you cannot leave a child in the car cannot leave it unattended warming. Have to take extra precautions."
Police are still searching for the stolen vehicle and driver in this incident.
The stolen car is described as a 2010 gray Nissan Altima with Delaware registration 562644. Authorities say it has damage to the rear passenger door.
Authorities are also searching for a black suspect vehicle. Investigators say the suspect arrived at the scene in the black car before hopping out to steal the Nissan.
Officers are also searching for another suspect who drove the black vehicle away from the scene.
"We need those cars found as soon as possible, so if you see something, say something," McNasby added.
According to police, the stolen Nissan was last seen driving to State Route 273 toward I-95 in New Castle County.
Anyone with information in this case is asked to contact the New Castle County Division of Police at 302-573-2800.
