URGENT UPDATE: A 32-year-old man has been charged after a shocking incident involving the theft of a vehicle with a sleeping baby inside. The vehicle was stolen from a supermarket car park in Shepparton, Victoria, just after 2 PM on November 14, 2023.
Authorities confirm that the suspect, who remains unnamed, jumped into a red Volkswagen while the infant, just 15 months old, was sleeping in the back seat. In a disturbing turn of events, CCTV footage shows the man abandoning the child in a cardboard box shortly after discovering the sleeping baby.
The baby was fortunately found unharmed by the mother upon returning to the vehicle, prompting her to alert police immediately. Local law enforcement recovered the stolen car the next day in the nearby town of Mooroopna.
The suspect was apprehended by police in central Shepparton on Friday afternoon. He faces multiple charges, including theft of a motor vehicle, reckless conduct endangering serious injury, and committing an indictable offence while on bail.
Detectives report that this individual is also facing additional charges related to an unrelated incident in the Shepparton and Barmah areas on November 17. These charges include dangerous driving while pursued by police and aggravated reckless exposure of a police officer to risk by driving.
The accused has been remanded to appear at Shepparton Magistrates’ Court on Monday. This case has raised significant concerns about child safety and vehicle theft in the region.
Authorities urge parents to remain vigilant and report any suspicious activity in car parks. The community is on high alert, and developments are ongoing. Stay tuned for updates as this situation unfolds.
