An 8-year-old girl left unattended in a vehicle in Brooklyn has been found safe after a carjacking incident that took place on Saturday, authorities say. The child was inside a Dodge Durango parked on Rockaway Parkway near Avenue A when a man commandeered the vehicle and drove off with her still in the backseat. Within approximately 30 minutes, the vehicle was abandoned a mile and a half north at Grafton Street and Pitkin Avenue, with the child inside and unharmed, according to police statements provided to NBC New York.
The ordeal began when the girl's mother, who was apparently injured from a car accident, went to quickly seek treatment at Brookdale Hospital, The New York Post reports. It is at this juncture that the thief opportunistically chose to steal the seemingly unoccupied car. It remains unclear whether the carjacker was aware that there was a child present in the car at the time of the theft.
The vehicle was later located on Howard Avenue, and according to police, the 8-year-old was safely recovered. The NYPD has yet to release any suspect description, as the investigation continues. Relief resonates through the Brooklyn community as the incident, which could have spiraled into a parent's nightmare, resolved with the child's safe return.
The NYPD has not provided further details on any potential leads or suspects in the case, but they are asking anyone with information to come forward. There is no word yet on any charges the mother might face, if any, for leaving her child unattended.
