Man’s car stolen — with his child in it

A two-year-old child is safe after being driven off in a car as it was stolen Friday in St. Catharines.

The child had been left unattended in the vehicle.

The driver of the stolen car apparently dropped the child off at a Grimsby business before continuing to Hamilton in the vehicle.

Niagara police received a 911 call around 2:30 p.m. from a man reporting that his black 2007 Toyota Prius had been stolen with his young son in it.

The car had been parked and left unattended with the child inside in the area of Welland Avenue and Geneva Street in St. Catharines. Officers flooded the area.

At around 3:10, another 911 call came in, saying the child had been dropped off.

Paramedics from Niagara Emergency Medical Services responded and determined that the child was safe and in good health.

He was taken to a hospital as a precautionary measure.

About an hour later, the Hamilton police got involved. The stolen car was located in Hamilton.

It was secured by police and assigned to Niagara Region Police Services forensic services unit.

The identity of the thief remained unknown as investigations continued into both the stealing of the car and the child being left unattended. Anyone with information is asked contact detectives at 905-688-4111.

“When it comes to the welfare of a two-year-old child we drop everything else. We’re glad it had a happy ending,” said Niagara Regional Police Service Staff Sgt. Scott Kraushar.