A 6-year-old girl was abducted — probably by accident — after she was left waiting in a car as it warmed up and a thief jumped in.
Lt. Matt Murray, spokesman for the Denver Police Department, said the car was being warmed up about 4:48 a.m. in the 2800 block of Jackson Street when a man – a complete stranger – hopped into the car and took off with the kid.
“We quickly did a full court press,” said Murray.
He said a description of the car was aired citywide and police units saturated the area.
Murray said that about six minutes later, at 4:54 a.m., a patrol unit spotted the car and child in the 2800 block of Harrison Street.
The child was unharmed, said Murray.
A heavy set man was seen by a witness walking away from the car southbound on Harrison Street.
The child’s grandmother, Rita Greer, who lives at a different home in Denver, said she found out about what happened to the girl after the child had been found.
“Oh my God, I couldn’t stop crying,” said Greer.
Greer said her 6-year-old grandchild is pretty spunky.
“Grand baby is outgoing and very head strong,” said Greer. “She is very determined to get what she wants.”
Rita Greer said she will be picking the child up at school later today. She can’t wait to hear what the child has to say about the incident.
Although residents of Colorado are constantly warned never to leave unattended cars warming up on winter mornings, such thefts happen on a weekly basis.
Murray said there is always a potential for charges against the parents, but said he doubt the parents will face any action.
Sonny Jackson, another spokesman for the Denver Police Department, said police departments in the metro area continually warn residents about “puffers” and the danger it presents.
“We know it sounds silly,” said Jackson. “But the risk is so great and leaving your child in the car just exacerbates the problem.
“Some guy gets in the car and takes off without even looking behind to see if there is a child in the car. It is frustrating for us but it is also tough on the poor parents. They not only have the car to worry about but more significantly the child.”
Howard Pankratz: 303-954-1939 or hpankratz@denverpost.com
