IPD: Mother leaves child in car stolen from parking lot

In Rochester, New York, a child was inadvertently kidnapped when their mother left them in a car that was subsequently stolen. This incident occurred on April 4, as reported by the Irondequoit Police Department (IPD). The mother had left the child in the vehicle with the keyfob in the ignition while she visited a dollar store on East Ridge Road. During her absence, an unknown individual stole the car, which was parked in a fire lane. Fortunately, the police were able to locate the car and the child in the vicinity of Hudson and Merrimac Street, thanks to a cellphone left in the vehicle. The child was found unharmed. This case is part of a broader issue highlighted by Kids and Car Safety, which notes that 29 similar incidents have occurred nationwide in 2024. The organization emphasizes that no child should ever be left alone in a running or unattended car, as it only takes a moment for such situations to escalate into danger.

Source: Rochester First