NYC Crime: Car stolen from Queens laundromat, child still inside

SOUTH RICHMOND HILL, Queens (WABC) — It started as a holiday nightmare for parents in Queens: their car was stolen while their child was still inside.

An eyewitness captured some harrowing moments of a mother panicking after her four-year-old daughter went missing.

Luckily, the mother, child and car were back just a few hours later – safe and sound at the laundromat on 101st Avenue in South Richmond Hill where it all began – as police continue to investigate.

“Thank God she’s alive and in one piece,” laundromat worker Jodie Nelson said.

The mother had left the red Acura in front of the laundromat and went in to get her laundry while her child took a nap.

According to police, two men drove away in the car, leaving it a few blocks away with the girl inside and police chasing her.

“Within seconds there were 15 cars literally, helicopters were out here and I was very surprised and it was an excellent job of their efforts – I’m very grateful to them,” said eyewitness Daniel Rafael.

Rafael and his son witnessed the reunion and relief.

“The mother just took the girl in her arms and they cried together, happy to see each other – it’s just amazing,” he said.

The girl, who had been out of her mother’s sight for a terrifying 20 minutes, was examined by emergency workers while police searched the car for evidence. The thieves disappeared in another vehicle.

“People just steal cars, they don’t care if there are kids in them or anything like that. You just have to be very careful out here now,” he added.

After answering investigators’ questions, the mother said only that she and her daughter were fine. They were ready to come home.

Nelson, who works at the laundromat, said they are regulars.

“Knowing it was that child, I think thank God she’s going to have a merry Christmas,” Nelson said.

Police say you should never leave a car unlocked to tempt thieves, no matter how cold it is or how quickly you return.

The mother is not burdened.

Police are looking for two men who could be accused of kidnapping. Police have not yet provided a description of them or their getaway car, but they are in the area for video footage.

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