Georgia mother calls 911 after thief drives off with her toddler inside

A Georgia mother reported to 911 that her car, left running while she delivered an Instacart order, was stolen with her 2-year-old daughter still in the back seat, and police recovered the vehicle and child within minutes.

At approximately 4:36 p.m. on July 30, an Atlanta mother left her car running while delivering an Instacart order and returned to find it gone, calling 911 to report that her 2-year-old daughter was still inside. Police from the Auto Crimes Enforcement Unit quickly deployed city license-plate readers, locating the stolen vehicle, the driver and the child in less than fifteen minutes. Body-camera video released by the department captures officers surrounding the car, ordering the suspect to raise his hands and exit, while the toddler cries nearby.

Officers confirmed the child was safe, and the mother soothed her as the suspect was arrested. The driver, 21-year-old Saleem Martin, was charged with kidnapping, theft by taking, simple battery, entering an automobile, cruelty to children and criminal attempt to commit a felony. The child suffered no injuries and was returned to her parents, with the Special Victims Unit joining the investigation.