Ditches Girl & Vehicle During Corona Search
Following a massive search, police located a 2-year-old girl safe and sound sitting inside a car stolen off a Corona street early on Sunday morning, Sept. 7, it was reported.
Law enforcement sources said the incident occurred at about 12:02 a.m. Sunday in the vicinity of 49th Avenue and 108th Street.
According to authorities, the child’s mother double-parked a rented 2008 Hyundai Accent with Florida plates outside a nearby bodega, then left the toddler inside the car unattended to run into the store. Reportedly, the engine was left idling.
Seconds later, police noted, an unidentified suspect jumped into the car and drove away-with the young girl still inside-just as the mother exited from the store.
Members of the 110th Precinct responded to the incident and initiated a land-and-air search for the child and vehicle.
About two hours later, law enforcement sources said, officers with the NYPD Queens North Task Force located the child inside the stolen vehicle, which was found abandoned in front of a home on 98th Street near Corona Avenue.
Reportedly, the car doors were locked and the keys were missing.
Police opened the vehicle and removed the still-seated child, who was found unharmed. Nonetheless, paramedics brought the girl to Elmhurst Hospital Center for observation and evaluation.
According to sources, no charges have been filed against the mother as of press time.
The case was presented to the 110th Precinct Detective Squad for further investigation, police said.
Anyone with information regarding the grand larceny or the suspect’s whereabouts that could prove helpful is asked to call the 110th Precinct Detective Squad at 1-718-476-9303; all calls will be kept confidential.
