Man Arrested for Leaving Kids in Car to Allegedly Shoplift Underwear at Merle Hay Mall

A Des Moines father faces criminal charges for allegedly leaving two children in a parked car while he stole underwear from the Kohl's store at Merle Hay Mall.

The Urbandale Police Department reported Ryan Baker, 33, left a 3-year-old and a 10-year-old in a parked, running car on Sunday while he stole underwear from Kohl's, 3800 Merle Hay Road.

Police officials said a store employee recognized Baker as a habitual shoplifter, the Des Moines Register reported.

Baker was allegedly stopped by officers with less than $30 worth of underwear in his pocket.

The children were picked up by their mother.

Baker was also found to hove two prescription pills on his person, but no bottle.

Baker was charged with theft, drug possession and two counts of child endangerment.