On 4 April, mum Jerrica Moore pulled into a parking lot and stepped out of her vehicle, leaving her keys and nine-year-old son inside.
According to Atlanta Police Department, a man then suddenly ‘jumped into her vehicle and sped away from the location with her child still in the car’.
However, quick-thinking Moore used the Find My iPhone app to track her son’s phone, and in turn was able to give police real-time information on the vehicle’s exact whereabouts.
In a Facebook post, Atlanta Police Department explained how officers from Georgia State Patrol were able to immobilise the car remotely, and the suspect was ‘quickly’ taken into custody while the child crawled out of the backseat window to safety.
***Warning! This video contains profanity*** The Atlanta Police Department Teams with State and Local Law Enforcement Partners to Catch Car Thief and Rescue Kidnapped Child The good work of police officers cannot be overstated. Each day they respond to every type of 911 call imaginable ready to act and help their community. No two calls or days are alike. On Monday, April 4, 2022, at approximately 8:45 a.m., officers responded to 888 Ralph David Abernathy Blvd SW in reference to stolen auto with child inside. Upon arrival, officers met with caller, Ms. Jerrica Moore who advised she had pulled into the parking lot of the location, where she exited her vehicle, leaving her keys and her 9-year-old son inside. Suddenly an unknown male jumped into her vehicle and sped away from the location with her child still in the car. Officers immediately responded to the scene and began their preliminary investigation. Ms. Moore was able to track her son’s iPhone using “my location” and relay real time tracking information to officers. Atlanta Police with the assistance of Georgia State Patrol (GSP), Fulton County PD and the Fulton County Sheriff’s responded and used the tracking information to work at locating the vehicle. An Atlanta officer was able to spot the vehicle being closely pursued by GSP. The suspect attempted to flee from officers, but GSP was able to successfully execute a precision immobilization technique (PIT) to render the vehicle immobile. The suspect was taken into custody without incident. The suspect who has been identified as Darius White (DOB 11/83) was charged with Kidnapping, Cruelty towards Children, and Theft by Taking. Mr. White was transported to Grady detention where he will undergo further evaluation. As a precautionary measure, the 9-year-old was transported to Hughes Spalding to be checked by medical professionals. Atlanta detectives responded to the scene to lead the investigation. Not all heroes wear capes. We thank all the officers and agencies involved in apprehending this suspect and getting this child to safety. We are happy to report the child and his mother have been reunited. We again remind the community to lock their cars, and remove all valuables, including their children, when exiting their vehicles. #WeCatchBadGuys #NotOnOurWatch #APDLovesTheKids
Posted by City of Atlanta Police Department on Wednesday, April 6, 2022
The force said: “On Monday, April 4, 2022, at approximately 8:45 a.m., officers responded to 888 Ralph David Abernathy Blvd SW in reference to stolen auto with child inside. Upon arrival, officers met with caller, Ms. Jerrica Moore who advised she had pulled into the parking lot of the location, where she exited her vehicle, leaving her keys and her nine-year-old son inside.
“Suddenly an unknown male jumped into her vehicle and sped away from the location with her child still in the car.”
The post continued: “Officers immediately responded to the scene and began their preliminary investigation. Ms. Moore was able to track her son’s iPhone using ‘my location’ and relay real time tracking information to officers.
“Atlanta Police with the assistance of Georgia State Patrol (GSP), Fulton County PD and the Fulton County Sheriff’s responded and used the tracking information to work at locating the vehicle. An Atlanta officer was able to spot the vehicle being closely pursued by GSP. The suspect attempted to flee from officers, but GSP was able to successfully execute a precision immobilisation technique (PIT) to render the vehicle immobile.”
Police named the suspect as Darius White, who was taken into custody ‘without incident’ before being charged with kidnapping, cruelty towards children, and theft by taking.
Amber Rollins, director at Kids and Car Safety, warned that such incidents can happen anywhere.
She told Fox News: “This is happening in safe, nice neighbourhoods, convenience stores, daycares, in the driveways of people’s homes.
“It’s a crime of opportunity. Thieves know when people are going to leave their car running while they just run in somewhere. No amount of time is safe.
“Bad guys are going to take advantage of the opportunity, and they don’t see the child in the back seat until they’ve already taken the car.”
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