A terrifying situation unfolded in New York City on Sunday when a carjacker stole a minivan with a 6-month-old baby inside. Thankfully, the baby was found safe and sound shortly afterward, but the suspect responsible is now in custody and facing serious charges.
According to police, 53-year-old Victor Matos allegedly stole a 2000 Chrysler minivan that was left running on the corner of East 46th Street and 3rd Avenue in the Bronx. The minivan was registered in Pennsylvania and had a 6-month-old child in the back seat. This kind of reckless action is not only illegal, but it also puts the child in grave danger.
Deputy Commissioner Kaz Daughtry of the New York City Police Department took to social media to ask for the public’s help in finding the suspect. He urged individuals to be on the lookout and to contact authorities if they had any information. His post quickly gained attention and was shared by concerned citizens across the city.
🚨 🚨 NEW YORK , we need your HELP. At approximately 11:30 this morning on the corner of East 46th Street & 3rd Avenue Bronx NY, an individual entered a vehicle that was left running with a 6-MONTH-old child in the back seat. The vehicle is a Gold 2000 Chrysler minivan with PA… pic.twitter.com/k3xswuAFbS
— NYPD Deputy Commissioner, Operations Kaz Daughtry (@NYPDDaughtry) June 16, 2024
Thankfully, the efforts of both law enforcement and the public paid off. Less than an hour after Daughtry’s post, the 6-month-old was found safe, and the suspect was taken into custody. This is a testament to the power of community cooperation and the swift work of the NYPD.
The suspect, identified as Victor Matos, is facing a slew of serious charges, including grand larceny, kidnapping, criminal possession of stolen property, and acting in a manner to injure a child. This is not the first time Matos has had run-ins with the law. Sources say he has a history of prior arrests, including a recent charge of grand larceny auto in November.
This incident serves as a frightening reminder of the dangers of leaving a vehicle running and unattended. No matter how quickly we think we will return, a thief can strike at any moment.
In this case, the swift actions of the police and the public’s involvement led to a positive outcome for the innocent child.
