A New Orleans Man Left His 10-Year-Old Son in a Running Car. Then, a Woman Got in and Drove Off With Both, Cops Say.

A New Orleans woman has been arrested after she allegedly stole a vehicle with a 10-year-old boy inside, authorities said.

Around 4:15 p.m. on July 25, police said a man left his car running as he went into a business in New Orleans, according to the New Orleans Police Department.

While he was in the business, a woman, later identified as 31-year-old Shanita Baker, allegedly got into the car and drove off with the victim’s 10-year-old son inside, officials said.

Shortly afterward, Baker, the boy and the car were spotted near a Walgreens on Gentilly Boulevard.

Police were able to quickly capture the suspect and the boy was recovered unharmed, according to authorities.

Baker was arrested and charged with auto theft, simple kidnapping and illegal possession of stolen things, police said.

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She was booked into the Orleans Justice Center.

Following the incident, the New Orleans Police Department reminded parents to never leave underage children in unattended vehicles.