New Haven Child Kidnappers Sought

NEW HAVEN, CT — City police have released surveillance still images of several suspected kidnappers who stole a woman's car Nov. 24.

A woman parked her van in front of a bodega on State Street between Rock and May streets around 2:30 a.m. and went in the store to buy some snacks for her 4-year-old son, said Officer David Hartman, police spokesman.

When she left the store she noticed her vehicle and child were nowhere to be found. She ran across the street to use a gas station phone when the bodega store clerked refused to let her call police. Her phone was inside the vehicle.

A witness saw police talking to the woman and told officers she spotted a white Honda Civic in the parking lot. Several young men got into the victim's car and sped off.

State Police and neighboring departments were notified about the kidnapping and all available patrol units were tasked with finding the van and child. Officer Joseph Silvestrini was flagged down b a man at Rock and Ridge streets. The man found the child dressed in a T-shirt, shorts and winter cap. The child was taken to the hospital as a precaution for a check up.

Police were able to track the woman's cell phone to Hamden and found the van around 4 a.m. on Woodstock Road. The vehicle was towed to the police garage for forensic testing.

"Anyone with information on this crime and/ or the identities of these crooks, is urged to phone police. Detectives can be reached by phoning 203-946-6304. Calls may be made anonymously. One may also Text-A-Tip to “NHPD and your message” to 274637 (CRIMES) or email:ECIC@newhavenct.gov."

Images via New Haven Police