VIDEO: Bronx thief drives off in SUV with girl, 2, in backseat

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NEW YORK (1010 WINS) -- Police are searching for a thief who drove off in an SUV with a 2-year-old girl in the backseat this week in the Bronx.

The NYPD released video Wednesday of the suspect hopping into the Toyota Highlander at Bronxwood Avenue and E. 225th Street in the Wakefield section around 5:30 p.m. Monday.

Police said the car thief quickly pounced when the 43-year-old grandfather of the girl briefly stepped out of the Toyota and left it running.

Police are searching for a man who drove off in a Toyota Highlander with a toddler in the backseat in the Bronx on Monday evening
Police are searching for a man who drove off in a Toyota Highlander with a toddler in the backseat in the Bronx on Monday evening. Photo credit NYPD

Video shows the suspect exiting a gold Honda Accord and entering the Toyota in just seconds.

He drove more than two miles with the girl in tow before he abandoned the Toyota at Edson Avenue and East Gun Hill Road in Baychester.

The girl was found safe and uninjured in the abandoned vehicle. She was taken to NYC Health + Hospitals/Jacobi for a medical evaluation.

Anyone with information is asked to call Crime Stoppers at 1-800-577-TIPS.

Featured Image Photo Credit: NYPD