Polk County Sheriff's Office detectives are asking for the public's help in finding a man who stole a car with a 2-year-old child, who was later found uninjured, inside.
At approximately 3:03 p.m., on Thursday, March 17, deputies were alerted to what was reported as an abduction of a 2-year-old child from the Mulberry Pharmacy, 1009 North Church Avenue, in Mulberry.
Deputies learned the child was in the care of an adult female, who had driven to the business to fill a prescription for the child. The family friend left the toddler in the car, with the keys in the ignition, and went inside the business. The family friend told deputies she was only in the store for a few minutes when she returned to find the car, with the child inside, missing.
Less than five minutes later, at 3:07 p.m., deputies were advised the child and the car were at a nearby store, the AutoZone, 6609 North Church Avenue, where both had been abandoned. The child was examined by emergency medical personnel and was uninjured. He was reunited with his mother.
The female described a possible suspect as a white male who was wearing a black t-shirt, gray or khaki cargo shorts, and black shoes. The male had a very short haircut and wore sunglasses on top of his head. He was observed behind the female victim while she was in the store.
Deputies warn parents never leave a child unattended in a car.
Anyone with information about this investigation, or who can identify this suspect, is urged to contact the Detective D. Grant at 863-499-2400, or at 863-298-6200.