A passerby discovered a baby girl left out in the cold in the city’s southwest following a car theft turned apparent accidental kidnapping Wednesday night.
Leduc RCMP responded to a call around 6:25 p.m. with a report that a Saturn Vue had been stolen after it was left running and unlocked with a 22-month-old girl inside.
When she saw her vehicle was being stolen, the mother ran and attempted to open the door, but couldn’t hold on as the driver sped off.
It is alleged a 17-year-old abandoned the infant shortly after stealing the vehicle and realizing she was inside. The infant was found unharmed outside a Sobeys on 111 Street and 20 Avenue.
The vehicle crashed and rolled near the first exit to Leduc off the Queen Elizabeth Highway.
A teen from Wetaskiwin was charged with theft over $5,000, criminal hit and run, dangerous driving,
kidnapping, unlawful confinement, child abandonment, possession of stolen property over $5,000, criminal flight from police, and four Traffic Safety Act offences.
He was also arrested on three outstanding warrants.
