SOUTH RICHMOND HILL, NY – A family’s routine trip to the laundromat turned into a harrowing ordeal when their car was stolen with their young daughter inside, sparking a frantic search that ended with the child safely reunited with her mother. The unsettling incident unfolded on a chilly evening, leaving the local community shaken and police investigating the brazen theft.
The drama began when the mother, needing to retrieve laundry, left her red Acura running outside the laundromat on 101st Avenue. In a split second, a thief seized the opportunity, driving away with the four-year-old girl still in the backseat. The panic-stricken mother could only watch in horror as her car vanished down the street.
Fortunately, the ordeal was short-lived. Within two hours, the child was found unharmed a few blocks from where the car was taken. Police, aided by helicopters and a fleet of patrol cars, quickly responded to the scene and managed to locate the abandoned vehicle. The swift response was met with relief and praise from witnesses, including Daniel Rafael and his son, who saw the emotional reunion between mother and daughter.
“The mother just picked her up, and they cried together,” Rafael recounted. “It was a touching moment, seeing them safe and sound.” The girl, though shaken, was examined by emergency medical technicians and found to be unharmed.
As police scoured the car for evidence, the suspects slipped away in another vehicle, leaving authorities with few leads. The incident has prompted warnings from law enforcement about the dangers of leaving vehicles unattended and running, even for a short time.
Despite the terrifying experience, the mother expressed gratitude that her daughter was unharmed and eager to return to the safety of their home. A laundromat worker, familiar with the family, expressed relief, saying, “Thank God she’s safe. She’s going to have a happy Christmas.”
Police have not released descriptions of the suspects or their getaway car but are canvassing the area for surveillance footage. While the mother will not face charges, the two men involved could be charged with kidnapping if apprehended.
Authorities continue to urge residents to remain vigilant and report any suspicious activity as the search for the culprits intensifies.