UPDATE: A young teen is on the run after allegedly stealing a family SUV with four children inside in Philadelphia. The incident occurred at approximately 11 p.m. Thursday, shocking witnesses and prompting urgent police action.
According to police, the children’s mother parked her Honda CR-V with the engine running outside King Laundromat on the 6700 block of Castor Avenue. When she returned, the vehicle was gone, along with her four kids aged between 3 and 10 years. “At this time, this appears to be a crime of opportunity,” stated Chief Inspector Scott Small of the Philadelphia Police Department.
Witnesses report that the male suspect, believed to be between 13 and 14 years old, drove the stolen SUV for about half a mile before crashing into a parked van while attempting to turn onto Comly Street. Eyewitnesses saw the crash and described the suspect fleeing on foot after realizing the children were still inside.
“The person who stole the car fled after the accident once they knew there were kids in the back seat,” Chief Inspector Small confirmed, highlighting the alarming nature of the situation. Thankfully, all four children have since been reunited with their mother unharmed.
Police are actively searching for the suspect, emphasizing the importance of safeguarding children left in vehicles, even for brief moments. Investigators stress that this incident serves as a stark reminder that danger can emerge in an instant.
As authorities continue to gather evidence and seek leads, residents are urged to remain vigilant. Anyone with information regarding this incident is encouraged to contact the Philadelphia Police Department immediately.
Stay tuned for more updates on this developing story as the search for the suspect intensifies.
