(WBBM NEWSRADIO) — A South Bend mother had an agonizing three hours Friday, after her car was stolen with her 1-year-old boy in the back seat.
The car was taken from a driveway, after which South Bend launched a frantic search for the boy.
Police said off-duty officers joined the search on their own time.
The mother’s cell phone was in the car, which allowed South Bend police to track it to a number of locations.
In the end, the car was found two blocks from the mother’s home. It’s unclear if the thief was trying to bring the car — and the boy — back.
The mom, Kayla Van Winkle, was beyond relieved.
“Extremely overwhelmed. Very, very relieved. Can’t even really describe … but thanking for a good outcome,” Van Winkle said. “We are just hugging and holding today.”
Van Winkle told WSBT in South Bend that her son was hot and sweaty, but he was otherwise OK.
South Bend police were looking for doorbell camera footage, and officers fingerprinted the car in an effort to identify the suspect who stole the vehicle.
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