‘She was screaming:’ JSO recovers stolen car on the Southside with a baby in the backseat

JACKSONVILLE, Fla. — It was a scary afternoon for one woman after someone stole her SUV in the Town Center.

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“She was screaming,” said one Daily’s employee.

A Daily’s employee said he’s worked at the gas station for seven years and has never seen anything like this.

“That’s crazy. It’s weird. That’s weird. People shouldn’t do that,” the Daily’s employee said.

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On Monday, someone stole a white SUV from Daily’s off Gate Parkway and drove off, only to leave the car 600 feet away in a neighboring CVS parking lot.

In the back seat of the car they stole was a baby.

JSO said the car owner left her car outside the gas station with the baby in the back, went inside, but then soon realized her car was gone.

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The Daily’s employee said he only got a glimpse of the crime in action but could not make out what the thief looked like.

Crime scene units at the CVS were working on the SUV to identify any fingerprints or other clues.

Action News Jax asked Daily’s if we could see any security footage of the car theft. Employees said they do not have any cameras outside.

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Although the thief shortly dumped the car later, our Action News Jax law and safety expert Dale Carson said serious charges are still possible.

Carson has years of experience in law enforcement, including time with the FBI.

“The individual who actually took the car, even though it’s only a short distance, is chargeable as a kidnapper and as a carjacker. Those are both life felonies,” Carson said.

Carson said the woman could be charged too, but it’s unlikely.

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According to Florida law, it’s illegal to leave a child younger than six years old in a running car.

“She could be charged, and she’s certain to be charged with a traffic citation for leaving the keys in the car,” Carson said.

CLICK HERE to view the statute.

Carson also said the fact this happened in broad daylight is concerning as well and serves as a reminder to lock up.

“It’s a lesson to all of us about the dangers presently when you’re fueling up your car and you leave it running,” Carson said.

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At this time, JSO said the suspect has not been found.

JSO also has not confirmed the nature of the relationship between the woman and the baby.

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