Toddler reunited with family after vehicle theft in South Bend

 

SOUTH BEND, Ind. — A car with a 3-year-old inside of it was stolen in South Bend on Monday.

South Bend Police received a call at 12:53 p.m. that a grey Honda with a toddler inside was stolen from the 3200 block of Lincoln Way West.

The car was found abandoned with the toddler inside at Lincoln Way West and Iowa.

The child was found safe and was reunited with his family.

Police said the 16-year-old suspect ran from the scene but was detained, questioned, then taken to the Juvenile Justice Center.

Investigators say the suspect approached the unlocked, running vehicle and drove away while the driver was inside a restaurant.

Police said the suspect arrived to the area in a silver SUV just before stealing the vehicle.

The child is the driver's nephew, police said.

The investigation is ongoing.