A 3-year-old boy is back with his mother after an apparent carjacking in South Bend.
It happened on Monday, Jan. 7, in the 3200 block of Lincoln Way West.
The toddler was in the vehicle that was taken. The 16-year-old boy who police say took the car found it unlocked and running while the driver was inside a restaurant.
The car was recovered nearby, in the area of Lincoln Way West and Iowa Street. The child was not harmed.
The teenage boy was taken into custody after a short foot chase.
South Bend Police released the following information late Monday afternoon:
South Bend Police detained a 16 year old juvenile following a Motor Vehicle Theft in the 3200 block of Lincoln Way West.
Around 12:50 Monday afternoon, police were called to the area on reports of a car-jacking involving a vehicle with a child. The vehicle hit an SUV near Lincoln Way West and Iowa, about a block from where the car was taken. The child, a 3 year old male, was unharmed. The child, who is a nephew to the driver of the stolen vehicle, was released to family.
The juvenile suspect then ran from pursuing officers. He was detained, questioned and taken to the Juvenile Justice Center.
Through the investigation, it was learned the suspect approached the unlocked and running vehicle and drove away while the driver was inside a restaurant. Officers also learned the suspect arrived in a silver SUV shortly before stealing the vehicle.
All reports have been forwarded to the St. Joseph County Prosecutor’s Office for review.
Report of a car jacking in the 3200 block of Lincoln Way West. Baby inside vehicle. Car has been recovered at LWW and Iowa. Baby is with mother. Possible suspect has been detained. #southbend
— South Bend Police (@southbendpolice) January 7, 2019
