Toddler Found Safe Following Car Theft and Abandonment in NE Portland
ICARO Media Group
Portland, Ore. - In a shocking incident early Thursday morning, a car was stolen with a three-year-old girl inside, prompting a citywide search. Thanks to keen observation by a witness, the toddler was later found walking down a street unharmed. The Portland Police Bureau has reunited the child with her parents and is now urging the public to be on the lookout for the stolen vehicle.
According to authorities, the incident occurred around 7:30 a.m. at the intersection of Northeast Halsey Street and Northeast 126th Avenue. The child was inside the car, warming up, when an unidentified young man wearing a beanie stole the vehicle and quickly fled the scene. The girl's father witnessed the theft and frantically alerted bystanders to the presence of his daughter in the car, but his pleas went unanswered as the suspect drove off.
A short while later, near the vicinity of Northeast San Rafael Street and Northeast 113th Avenue, an astute individual reported witnessing a car driving in a reckless manner. Shortly thereafter, the three-year-old was spotted walking alone on the street, away from where the stolen car had been seen. Thankfully, the child was unharmed and able to identify herself to authorities, leading to her safe reunion with her relieved parents.
The Portland Police Bureau has launched an official investigation into the incident and is now seeking the assistance of the community. They have released information describing the stolen vehicle as a 2017 dark blue Subaru Outback with Oregon license plate number 639JVQ. Anyone with information on the whereabouts of the vehicle or who may have home security footage capturing its movements is urged to contact the Detective Division at 503-823-0400 or send an email to crimetips@police.portlandoregon.gov.
Local authorities are urging the public to remain vigilant and report any suspicious activity related to the stolen vehicle. The safety and well-being of the community's youngest members, particularly in incidents like this, is of utmost importance.