Father Stuffed Girl In Mall Game To Steal: Salem Police

SALEM, NH — A Massachusetts man surrendered to Salem police Wednesday after officers said he stuffed his toddler daughter into an arcade game at The Mall at Rockingham Park last week to steal prizes. Anthony Helinski (pictured), 34, of Lawrence, was charged with a host of crimes, including endangering the welfare of a child and theft. A bystander captured Helinski on camera grabbing prizes his daughter picked while she was inside a Key Master vending game, police said.

Salem police said they identified Helinski after distributing the video to the media.

"The Salem Police Department would like to thank the media outlets who ran this story and the public for the information provided which led to the arrest in this case," Salem Police Captain Joel Dolan said in a statement.

Dolan said officers identified Helinski Wednesday and obtained a warrant for his arrest.

"Helinski immediately turned himself in with his attorney," Dolan added.

The thefts happened at the Key Master vending machine game inside the mall Friday at about 6 p.m., according to Salem Police Lieutenant Jason Smith.

"The male subject had the small female toddler climb into the bottom portion of the game, designed for items won by a player to drop, and then reach up and grab various items, handing them to the male subject," Smith said in a statement.

Key Master involves picking a lock to win prizes including iPads, video game, headphones, speakers and other electronics.

Helinski was charged with three counts of theft, two counts of criminal trespassing and one count of endangering the welfare of a child. He was released on bond pending an arraignment October 29 in Salem District Court.

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Photo credits: Salem Police Department