Man Arrested For Stealing Car With Kids Inside

STOCKTON, Calif. (AP) -- Stockton police have arrested a man who they say stole a car with two young children inside while intoxicated, then crashed the vehicle.

Police say a car was left to warm up in the driveway of a home with the 1-year-old and a 3-year-old inside early Thursday morning when 45-year-old Cristobal Mercado allegedly jumped in and drove off.

A witness followed the car until it crashed, causing head wound to the younger child. Police say Mercado tried to run, but the witness tackled and held him until officers arrived to arrest the suspect.

The Record of Stockton reports that the baby was taken to the hospital with a non-life-threatening injury.

Mercado is being held on suspicion of kidnapping, vehicle theft, possession of stolen property and driving under the influence.

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