Pittsburgh man accused of stealing vehicle with 1-year-old in backseat

PITTSBURGH (KDKA) — A Pittsburgh man is accused of stealing a vehicle with a baby in the backseat in Wilkinsburg. 

Lawrence Barren was charged with theft by unlawful taking and receiving stolen property in connection with the incident, according to the criminal complaint. 

The criminal complaint says police were called to the GetGo on Penn Avenue in Wilkinsburg on Tuesday for a report of a stolen vehicle with a child inside. When police arrived, the driver told officers that her vehicle was stolen when she went inside to pay for gas. Her 1-year-old was in a car seat in the backseat, the complaint said.

Witnesses told police that the driver took off south on West Street and soon after officials learned a child and a car seat were dropped off at a home on Franklin Avenue. A person at the residence said a man dropped the child off and left. The child and mother were reunited. 

Officials said a license plate reader picked up the vehicle. Pitcairn police chief said one of his new officers driving into work spotted the stolen vehicle.

"He told us you are not going to believe this, I'm following this vehicle right now," Pitcairn Police Chief Scott Farally said.

The chief said Officer Maurqel Watts called Monroeville dispatch, followed the suspect into Pitcairn on Third Street and Wall Avenue and saw him go into a house. He waited for backup to arrive and the arrest was made. 

"His actions were beyond, and I credit him for his quick actions," the chief said. "His communication with dispatch, he has a bright future."

"He's been with us for a couple months and I highly credit him," Farally added. "His actions today, this could have been a different scenario. What if there was a child in this vehicle?"

In:
• Allegheny County