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Atlanta Police Release Footage After Car Stolen With Child Inside, Urge Parents Not to Leave Running Vehicles

The case prompted a safety message urging caregivers to switch off cars, take keys, then bring children with them.

Overview

  • APD says a vehicle was stolen on Dec. 16, 2025 in Atlanta while an approximately 8-year-old girl slept inside.
  • Officers located the car abandoned at an apartment complex and found the child unharmed in the backseat.
  • Body-camera video posted to Facebook captures an officer noting the child had just woken up and shows the recovery.
  • The girl's mother told police she left the vehicle running to quickly go into a store for about one minute.
  • Police warn running cars are easy targets and advise calling 911 if a child is seen alone in a running vehicle.