San Antonio police are asking for help after an 8-year-old boy was attacked and his family’s car was stolen while he was sitting inside charging an iPad in a parking lot on the Northwest Side. The boy was injured, but police say his injuries are not life-threatening. The suspect drove off in the car before officers arrived. Detectives are investigating and are urging anyone with information to come forward, as reported by KENS 5.
What police say
According to KENS5, the assault and car theft happened Tuesday in the 100 block of Bandera Road. Investigators say a suspect walked up to the parked vehicle, attacked the child inside and then took off in the family's car.
The station reports the boy had been sitting in the vehicle to charge an iPad when the suspect struck. A parent later returned and found someone sitting in the driver's seat before the car was stolen, according to the outlet. Police say detectives are tracking down leads but have not announced any arrests.
Reward and how to tip
SAPD and Crime Stoppers are asking anyone with information to call the tipline at 210-224-STOP (210-224-7867) or submit an anonymous report through the P3 Tips app, per the City of San Antonio. Investigators told reporters that Crime Stoppers may pay up to $5,000 for information leading to an arrest and are urging residents and businesses near the 100 block of Bandera Road to review surveillance and dash-cam footage.
The City of San Antonio notes that local Crime Stoppers procedures allow tipsters to share photos, video and other evidence directly with detectives while still remaining anonymous.
Why this matters
Vehicle thefts and car break-ins remain a sore spot in many neighborhoods even as national stolen-vehicle totals have improved. Reporting by the San Antonio Express-News found that vehicle thefts dropped 17% nationwide in 2024, citing the National Insurance Crime Bureau. That is welcome news, but police say crimes of opportunity in parking lots are still common and can turn dangerous when kids are left waiting inside a car.
Safety experts continue to preach the basics: keep valuables out of sight, unplug and remove devices before walking away and, when possible, bring children inside with you instead of leaving them in a parked vehicle, even for what feels like a quick errand.
SAPD detectives are still working the case and want to hear from anyone who witnessed the incident along Bandera Road or captured video around the time of the assault and theft. Anonymous tips that help lead to an arrest may qualify for the advertised reward. For additional details and ongoing coverage, see reporting from KENS5.
