A car theft in Queens turned briefly into a parent's worst scenario when a thief drove away with a red Acura containing a sleeping 4-year-old girl. The incident occurred on 101st Avenue near 131st Street in South Richmond Hill around 4:36 p.m. yesterday, as reported by NY Daily News. The vehicle was recovered by officers approximately five blocks away, with the child still inside and unharmed.
According to a statement obtained by ABC7NY, the girl, who had been separated from her mother for a harrowing 20 minutes, was checked out by EMTs before being reunited with her parent. An employee at a nearby laundromat, Jodie Nelson, expressed her relief, stating, "Thank god she's alive and in one piece." Nelson later mentioned that the mother and daughter are regulars, adding to the relief felt upon their reunion. Despite the positive outcome, witnesses highlighted an unsettling trend, with one remarking, "People are just stealing cars, they don't care if there are kids in them or anything like that."
The recovery was swift, with the police promptly locating the abandoned car. "Within seconds you had 15 cars, literally, helicopters were out here and I was very surprised and it was an outstanding job on their effort - I'm very grateful for them," an eyewitness, Daniel Rafael, told ABC7NY. He and his son witnessed the emotional moment the mother and child were reunited: "The mother just picked up the girl in her arms and they cried together, happy to see each other - it's just amazing," he said.
Authorities have not made any arrests in connection with the incident in Queens. No description of the suspects or their getaway car has been provided, though they could face kidnapping charges, sources indicate. This carjacking incident came just a day after a similar crime in the Bronx, where a thief stole a car with a 7-year-old boy inside—the child and vehicle were also recovered unharmed as per reports from NY Daily News.
