Child Kidnapping Thwarted In Cheltenham

CHELTENHAM TOWNSHIP, PA — An alleged child kidnapper is in custody after leading police on a car chase that ended in Philadelphia on Thursday afternoon, police said.

Lt. Joseph O’Neill said that the Cheltenham Township Police Department responded to a report of an abduction in the 3000 block of Cheltenham Avenue in the township's Wyncote section at 11:49 p.m. on Thursday.

Cheltenham Police said a preliminary investigation said the suspect, who was known to the victims, took a victim’s vehicle with a 2-year-old child inside.

Police said a victim was able to track the vehicle to the Cheltenham Avenue location and called 911.

Police attempted to stop the vehicle, but the driver fled with the child. Police were able to get the vehicle stopped in the 100 block of East Walnut Lane in Philadelphia.

Police safely recovered the child and took the driver into custody.

This is an active investigation, and charges are pending. There are currently no additional suspects, police said.

Anyone with information is asked to contact Cheltenham Police at 215-885-1600, ext. 499, or via the police department's anonymous tip line at 215-885-1600, ext. 777. Tips may also be sent via email to PoliceTips@CheltenhamPA.gov or online by visiting Cheltenhampa.gov/Police and clicking on Anonymous Crime Tips.