GRAND RAPIDS, Mich. — Grand Rapids Police are investigating after an SUV was stolen with two kids inside of it. The car was recovered and the children, an infant and toddler, were not harmed.
The vehicle was reported stolen just before 2 p.m. Police said the owner of the vehicle left it running in the parking lot of The Bottle House, a party store on S. Division Avenue.
The children, an infant and a toddler, were still inside the SUV when officers located it about a mile away on Brown Street SE near Madison Avenue SE. They were found safe.
Police said the incident is still ongoing and they are looking for those who were involved. Officers believe the suspects were caught off guard.
"They got more than they bargained for, they probably saw the children in the back of the car and they didn't want to have anything to do with that," said GRPD Sgt. John Wittkowski.
He said the car theft could bring a number of charges for those responsible.
"I'm certainly no attorney, but I can tell you, a stolen vehicle is felony. And certainly having children in the car, you're looking at other charges—other felony charges," said Wittkowski. "Prosecutors issue those but potentially a kidnapping. Unbeknownst to someone stealing a car, everything you do after the you are going to be responsible for, including what is in the vehicle."
Officers say there is a lesson to be learned here.
"We continually tell people don't leave your keys in the car, certainly when your children are in the vehicle but this has happened in the past. Thankfully this worked out, the children are safe, unharmed and they were reunited with their parents," said Wittkowski.
More from 13 ON YOUR SIDE:
►Make it easy to keep up to date with more stories like this. Download the 13 ON YOUR SIDE app now.
Have a news tip? Email news@13onyourside.com, visit our Facebook page or Twitter. Subscribe to our YouTube channel.