Update: Stolen SUV With Baby Inside Recovered With Child Unharmed
MARINA DEL REY (CBSLA) - Police with the LAPD's Pacific Division have recovered a stolen SUV with a baby onboard, officials said.
A 20-month-old male toddler was in his car seat, the motor running, when an unknown suspect got behind the wheel and took off.
The suspect remains at large.
Officials said more than 16 officers were dispatched to the area to search for the 2017 silver Honda.
Two officers happened upon the vehicle just before 5 p.m. -- abandoned. They said the baby was crying but otherwise okay.
The child's mother said she went into a store in Venice for about 20 minutes and when she came out the SUV and child were gone, according to Los Angeles Police Officer Sal Ramirez.
At a press conference to announce the baby's safe return to its mother, authorities reminded the public to never leave a child or pet in the car, especially with the motor running.
A 911 call reporting the child kidnapping came in about 2:50 p.m., he said.
The suspect is described as a male white or Latino, about 5-feet-10 inches and weighing about 185 pounds, Ramirez said. The suspect was wearing a blue jacket and dark pants.
Police said they hoped to release photos/and or video of the suspect some time Saturday evening.