Overview
- A mother reported her vehicle stolen with her 2-year-old inside after she left the car running while making an Instacart delivery, prompting a 911 call to police.
- Officers located the stolen car within about 15 minutes using the city's license plate reader system and arrested the driver at the scene, the child was found unharmed and reunited with her parents.
- Police identified the suspect as 21-year-old Saleem Martin and charged him with kidnapping, theft by taking, simple battery, entering an automobile, cruelty to children, and criminal attempt to commit a felony.
- Atlanta police released body-worn camera footage and a Fulton County booking photo that show officers ordering the suspect out of the car, handcuffing him immediately, and comforting the crying toddler.
- The investigation and criminal process are ongoing, and the case highlights the safety risk of leaving a running car with a child inside and the speed with which automated plate readers can help police locate vehicles.