Caught on video: Car stolen outside Irvington, N.J. home with 7-year-old boy inside
IRVINGTON, N.J. -- Police say a car was stolen out of a family's Irvington driveway, while their son, who has autism, was in it.
The boy was safely reunited with his family, but now the hunt is on for the men responsible.
Seven-year old Jayden King is back home with his family after a harrowing experience that could have had a very different ending.
"He was fine, a little confused where momma and daddy were, but he was good. No scratches on him, thank God," father Dwayne King said.
Dwayne King, a military veteran, told CBS New York someone jumped in his car while it was running in his driveway on Wednesday morning and sped off.
Jayden King was inside in his booster seat. The frightening moment outside of the family's home was captured on surveillance video.
"I see my car going down the driveway. I'm thinking it came out of gear. Nope. Gas, made the left. I ran down the driveway to see which way they were going," Dwayne King said.
He said he was moving the trash can from in front of the home to the backyard, when the car thieves made their move.
"As soon as he was walking back, he saw the car just drove off. He ran after the car, went after them," wife Avionne King said.
The boy's mother quickly called 911 and within 15 minutes the car was found nearby.
"They left the car middle of the road, door open and Jayden inside of it," Avionne King said. "I think he ultimately realized kidnapping a child is a whole other animal than taking a car."
Police say auto theft continues to be a concern in Irvington. So far this year, there have been 256, compared to 463 in all of 2022.
Meanwhile, the Kings said they're grateful their autistic boy was unarmed.
"Thank God. I'm grateful to everyone," Avionne King said.
Police said they are reviewing surveillance video and canvassing the neighborhood for both men involved.
The family is happy Jayden King is back home and safe.
