RICHMOND, Va. -- The family of a man charged with stealing a car with a baby in the backseat said they helped Richmond Police track him down.
Police said Stefon R. Dunkley stole a vehicle from the parking lot of a business in the 2400 block of Venable Street at approximately 5:20 a.m.
Officers later recovered the abandoned vehicle at N 19th and R streets about a half mile away. The child was unharmed, according to police.
RPD then released surveillance photos from inside the Ocean Grocery convenience store.
Dunkley’s relative, who didn’t want to be identified, said they notified police after seeing the photos.
“He parked [the car] down the street when he noticed a baby was inside the car like 10 minutes later,” they explained. “He really needs help. He needs help. All the help he can get.”
Richmond Police Department later arrested Dunkley after a brief foot chase.
Online court records revealed Dunkley’s lengthy criminal record dating back to 2013 when he was convicted of grand larceny.
His criminal history includes eluding police, burglary, and an additional grand larceny charge in 2016 just days before his birthday.
“He stole somebody car. He got shot and that should’ve been your lesson. But then, a couple of years later now this,” the family member stated.
Dunkley was arraigned on Monday's grand larceny charge on Tuesday morning. He's due back in court in November.
“Detectives want to continue reminding citizens not to leave running vehicles unattended. As with this case, it does not take long for someone to get in and drive away,” a police spokesperson said.
Anyone with additional information is asked to call First Precinct Detective D. Jones at (804) 646-0689 or contact Crime Stoppers at (804) 780-1000 or www.7801000.com [7801000.com]. The P3 Tips Crime Stoppers app for smartphones may also be used. All Crime Stoppers methods are anonymous.
