Police in Oregon, United States have launched manhunt for a suspect who stole a car, without knowing a child was in the backseat, then returned to the scene to yell at the mother for leaving her young son unattended.
The theft happened around 9 a.m. on Saturday outside a meat market in Beaverton, when the mom, Crystal Leary went into the store, leaving her son in the car unlocked with the engine running, CNN reports.
While she was inside, a man got into her SUV and drove off with knowing there was a 4-year-old boy inside.
When the suspect saw the child, he returned to the mother, reprimanded her, threatened to call the police on her and then took off in her car, Beaverton Police Spokesman Officer Matt Henderson told CNN.
The police spokesmen said;
He hopped in the car, drove it, realized there was a 4-year-old inside, and drove back and ordered her to take the child out of the car and then drove away again. We’re thankful he had the decency to bring the little one back.
Thankfully, the little boy was unharmed, police said. His mother was just 15-feet away from the car on the other side of the glass, Henderson said, but turned around at the wrong moment.
Leary told CNN affiliate, KPTV;
As moms, we get really busy and we think we’re just running in for a second and this is just a perfect example of just letting our guards down and how terrible it could have ended.
I am thankful that he is okay. It was so stupid and I’ll never do that again, but it’s that split second decision that can just change everything.
The car, a 2013 silver Honda Pilot, was recovered a few hours later in Portland, just 8 miles away from Beaverton. Police are still searching for the thief, according to Henderson.
The suspect is described as a White male in his 20s or 30s with long, dark brown braided hair. He wore a multi-coloured face mask.
Henderson added;
This is a good learning lesson for all of us who have children. Be extra careful with your kids, take the extra step to make sure they’re safe.
