RICHMOND, Va. -- Richmond Police say they have arrested a man accused of stealing a vehicle with a baby inside early Monday morning.
Police say 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.
Approximately 10 minutes later, officers recovered the abandoned vehicle at N 19th and R streets. The child was unharmed, according to police.
Police say they arrested Dunkley thanks to help from the public. First Precinct officers received a tip from a citizen who had seen the suspect’s photo on the local news and identified him.
Those same officers apprehended Dunkley after a brief foot pursuit in the 1100 block of N 20th Street.
Tuesday morning, neighbor Lawrence Willims walked his dog about a block away from where the vehicle had been found. He said he heard about the incident on the news -- and it hit home.
"Children don't do anything to nobody," Willims said.
He added that he had four kids of his own, and multiple grandchildren.
"I’m a proud Granddaddy. "Got several grandbabies... I love 'em all," said Willims. "And I’m the Granddad of this dog -- this the grandbaby number 15."
Willims said he was surprised to hear that the stolen vehicle found not far from where he lived, had a baby in the backseat.
"You know if you brought the baby out of the house -- you know you got your baby with you."
Meanwhile, another neighbor, who did not want to be identified, told CBS 6 he regularly sees stolen cars left along the street where the vehicle was found.
"I'm not surprised about it," he said. "It's like every other day... we ain't trying to have all that negativity."
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. The P3 Tips Crime Stoppers app for smartphones may also be used. All Crime Stoppers methods are anonymous.
