CBS2 Exclusive: Staten Island Family Relieved After Stolen SUV Turns Up With Baby Inside
NEW YORK (CBSNewYork) -- There was panic on Staten Island after a woman's car was stolen with her baby still inside.
Three-month-old Liam Keller was back home and safe in his father's arms after a terrifying ordeal.
He was stuck in the back seat when his mom's car was stolen outside of a Dunkin Donuts on Richmond Hill Avenue on Staten Island, Saturday morning.
In an exclusive interview, the boy's father Mike Keller told CBS2's Brian Conybeare, his wife Christine knows she made a dangerous mistake.
"That's what's killing her, cause she know what she did was wrong," he said.
Keller said his wife ordered using the Dunkin Donuts app on her phone, so she could pay in advance and wouldn't have to stand on line. She parked her car, leaving the keys in the ignition with the engine running and the baby still inside.
"You're like, 'oh it's only going to be a second and that's all it takes is that one second," Keller said.
Police said the suspect jumped into the family's black SUV and drove all the way to Sunset Park, Brooklyn where he abandoned it and the baby at 56th Street and 3rd Ave.
Edwin Estrada saw the drama unfold.
"You should never leave, especially an infant in a car with the engine running for no reason, for no reason whatsoever," Edwin Estrada said.
Police spotted the vehicle and drove Christine there for a tearful reunion with her only child.
"She's, you know, very upset and shocked, and overwhelmed," Keller said.
Canine units tried to track the suspect who was apparently riding a bike when he saw the SUV running.
"I don't think the guy knew the baby was in there," he said.
Keller said Liam was found in less than an hour.
"I really just want to thank the NYPD because they did a very, very good job, and I'm just happy that he's home," he said.
His wife learned a difficult lesson, but has not been charged with any wrongdoing.
Police are still looking for the suspect.