A Cuban man, identified as Noel Castro, was arrested in Miami after stealing a vehicle with three children inside, according to local authorities.
The incident occurred this past Saturday in the southern part of the Little Havana neighborhood, as reported by Local 10. The car was found shortly after near Beacon Boulevard and Southwest Sixth Street.
According to the police report, a girl who was sleeping inside the rented Nissan Versa, woke up to find an unknown man at the wheel. The individual, later identified as Castro, 26, made an unsettling comment to the girl: "I have something for you." He then took off his shirt, exited the car, and fled, leaving the children inside the vehicle.
The mother of the children, aged 1, 10, and 12, had parked the vehicle on the side of the street and left her kids sleeping inside for just a few minutes. When she returned, she was horrified to discover her vehicle had been stolen.
Officers arrested Castro near West Flagler Street and Southwest 27 Avenue. Fortunately, the children were unharmed.
Authorities were able to identify Castro thanks to surveillance footage that captured the moment of the theft. Upon being confronted with the evidence, the accused confessed to the crime. He now faces multiple charges, including kidnapping, vehicle theft, burglary of an occupied vehicle, and child abuse without causing serious harm.
Court records also reveal that Castro had a pending case for resisting an officer without violence and was on probation for aggravated assault on a pregnant victim.
The Miami Police Department, through spokesperson Kiara Delva, expressed relief that the children were not injured in the incident. "We are grateful that the children were not harmed," she stated in a release.
Other Recent Incidents
Although not common, news of car thefts with children inside appears with some frequency in the media.
In late October 2023, a 34-year-old Cuban man was arrested in Little Havana after attempting to steal a vehicle with a three-year-old girl inside.
During the attempted theft, the suspect—identified as Yendry Carrazana—also dragged the child's grandmother down the street, causing her to sustain several minor injuries.
"He wanted to steal the car, but we told him there was a child inside. At that moment, my uncle came and immobilized him on the ground, which led to more of a confrontation with the guy," explained a family member who witnessed the incident.
Around the same time, a thief stole a vehicle with a two-year-old child inside at a gas station in Boynton Beach, south of Florida. In 2023, 162 children in the United States found themselves in similar situations, according to Kids and Car Safety.
FAQs on Car Thefts Involving Children
Here are some frequently asked questions and answers about car thefts involving children, which can provide additional insights on this alarming issue.
What should parents do to prevent car thefts with children inside?
Parents should never leave their children unattended in a vehicle, even for a short period. Always lock the doors and keep the keys with you.
What are the legal consequences for stealing a car with children inside?
The legal consequences can include multiple charges such as kidnapping, vehicle theft, and child endangerment, leading to severe penalties including lengthy prison sentences.
How common are car thefts involving children in the United States?
According to Kids and Car Safety, in 2023, 162 children in the United States were involved in situations where cars were stolen with them inside.