A young girl was rescued by police after a terrifying ordeal in which a thief stole the car she was sleeping in, authorities in Atlanta have confirmed.
A Mother's Brief Errand Turns to Panic
The incident occurred on Wednesday 14 January 2026. The mother had left her vehicle running with the keys inside for what she described as "literally one minute" while she entered a grocery store. Her eight-year-old daughter remained asleep in the backseat.
Upon returning, the mother discovered both her car and her child were gone, prompting an immediate and desperate search.
Police Locate Child Unharmed
Atlanta Police Department officers swiftly located the abandoned vehicle. Released footage shows the moment officers approached the car and gently woke the confused but unharmed child from her sleep in the backseat.
The girl was found to be safe and well, bringing a huge sense of relief to her family and the responding officers after a period of intense fear.
Urgent Public Safety Warning Issued
In the wake of the incident, Atlanta Police have issued a stark warning to all parents and guardians. They urge the public to always turn off the engine, remove the keys, and take children with them, even during the briefest of stops.
This case highlights the critical dangers of leaving a vehicle unattended while it is running, a practice that can have catastrophic consequences beyond the loss of property.
The police emphasised that the fortunate outcome in this instance does not lessen the seriousness of the risk, and they hope this event serves as a powerful reminder to the community about essential child safety and vehicle security measures.
