Car With Child Inside Stolen In Atlanta

ATLANTA, GA — Atlanta Police are warning of the dangers of leaving children unattended in cars after they say a woman's vehicle was stolen with her little girl inside.

Police on Saturday released body camera footage relating to an incident on Dec. 16, 2025, during which they say they responded to find the girl who had just woken up inside the backseat of the car.

The responding officer can be heard on the footage surmising the child is about 8-years-old.

The officer is heard telling dispatch the girl is the only person inside the car at the time and that the front driver's side door knob is "partially off" as if someone attempted to take the car.

The girl can be heard telling the officer that she is OK.

Later in the footage, the woman is seen telling police she went into a store with glass windows for "one minute, got what (she) needed, walked out and (her) car was gone." She then notified police.

It is unknown if a suspect was arrested in connection with the case.

Atlanta Police Sgt. Tasheena Brown, in a public service announcement, warned about the dangers of leaving children unattended in cars.

"Even if you're only stepping away for a moment, a running vehicle can quickly become an easy target for thieves," she said. "In just seconds, someone can get inside and drive off, sometimes with a child still inside."

She advises parents to follow these three steps if they need to step away from their car: turn the vehicle off, grab the keys and take their child with them "every single time."

Brown also encouraged anyone who may see an unattended child in a car to immediately call 911.

"Let's work together to protect our children and prevent tragedies before they happen," she said.