Young Child In Backseat Of Stolen Car Found Safe In CT

WILLIMANTIC, CT — A 3-year-old was in a car stolen from a Willimantic gas station Wednesday afternoon, according to police. The child was later found safe, and a man is facing kidnapping charges.

The incident started when police were called to a gas station at 4:17 p.m. The young child was in the backseat of a white Volkswagen Tiguan, which a man stole.

Shortly after leaving the gas station, the suspect stopped at a parking lot in Lebanon. He dropped the child off in front of a business as people exited, according to police. The suspect then fled.

Police responded and found the child a short time later. Police then took the child to the hospital for a precautionary evaluation.

The Department of Children and Families has been notified and will be assisting in the investigation.

A suspect was taken into custody in Preston and transported to the Willimantic Police Department.

WTNH News-8 reported that Haninef Baker, 28, was arrested and charged with second-degree kidnapping, robbery involving an occupied motor vehicle, risk of injury to a minor, larceny of a motor vehicle, and second-degree breach of peace. He was held on $250,000 cash/surety bond.

The incident remains under investigation.