HARLEM, Manhattan (WABC) — A suspect is in custody after stealing a running car containing a 1-year-old girl on Tuesday morning in Harlem. The incident occurred around 9 a.m. at 300 W. 134th St.
The child’s father had double-parked outside Chloe Day School with the girl inside while escorting an older sibling into the school. He paused to ask a question about an upcoming graduation when the thief jumped into the car, child seat and all, according to the school principal. The father was reportedly distraught over the incident.
Law enforcement quickly tracked the vehicle using a phone left inside. They placed a call to the phone and believe the suspect answered. The car was located shortly thereafter at First Avenue and East 72nd Street.
Jakyrie Grant, 34, faces multiple charges, including grand larceny auto, kidnapping, criminal possession of stolen property, acting in a manner injurious to a child, unlawful imprisonment, and unauthorized use of a motor vehicle.
NYPD Chief of Patrol John Chell and Operations Commissioner Kaz Daughtry coordinated the response. “Thankfully, we got the child back unharmed and took the bad person off the street,” Chell stated during a live segment on Eyewitness News Mornings.
Chell emphasized the urgency due to the weather, noting that temperatures were rising and expressing concern for the child’s safety. “We didn’t want a situation where a baby was left in the car with the heat,” he said.
The child’s father, while declining to discuss the incident, praised the NYPD for their swift actions in saving his daughter.
This incident marks the second car theft involving a child in New York City within three days. In the Bronx over the weekend, a 6-month-old boy was also safely recovered after officers tracked a stolen vehicle.
Chell urged parents to remain vigilant, stating, “Be aware of your surroundings. Mistakes happen, but always protect your family and your property.”
Grant was previously arrested two days prior in Greenpoint, Brooklyn, for allegedly stealing a running car from outside a repair shop. He was apprehended 15 minutes later and charged with similar offenses.