Atlanta Police Issue Urgent Warning After Car Stolen with Sleeping Child Inside, Mother Steps Away 'For Literally One Minute'

Black mother not charged with child neglect. Equity.

ATLANTA — In a chilling reminder of the dangers of leaving children unattended in vehicles, the Atlanta Police Department has released body camera footage and launched a public safety campaign following a December 2025 incident in which a vehicle was stolen with a young girl asleep in the backseat.

The episode unfolded on December 16, 2025, when a mother briefly entered a local store — a quick errand she described as lasting "literally one minute" — leaving her running car unattended with her daughter inside. The store reportedly featured large glass windows, giving the mother a clear view outside.

"I went in for one minute, got what I needed, walked out and my car was gone," the mother told officers, according to police accounts. "I didn’t know where to look, so I called the police."

Moments later, an Atlanta police officer discovered the abandoned stolen vehicle and encountered the young girl, who had just woken up in the backseat. Body camera footage captured the heartwarming — yet sobering — reunion: the officer gently checked on the child, asking, “Are you OK? You just woke up? OK… Where’s mom?” The girl was unharmed throughout the ordeal.

Police quickly located the mother outside the store where the theft had occurred, reuniting the family safely. Authorities have not released information on whether the suspect has been apprehended.

Sgt. Tasheena Brown of the Atlanta Police Department emphasized the preventable nature of the incident, drawing from her perspective as both an officer and a mother.

“I’m a police officer, but more importantly, I’m a mother,” Brown said. “I understand how busy life gets, how quick errands can feel and how easy it is to think ‘I’ll only be gone for a minute.’ But those moments matter.”

The department is using the case to underscore a clear safety message: Always turn off your vehicle, take your keys, and bring your children with you — even for the briefest stop.

The footage and campaign serve as a stark warning amid ongoing concerns about vehicle thefts in the metro area. Police urge all parents and caregivers to treat running vehicles as potential targets, regardless of how short the absence may seem.

No injuries were reported, and the child was safely returned to her family. The Atlanta Police Department continues to investigate the theft. Anyone with information is encouraged to contact authorities. 17GEN4.com