A Georgia mother reported her car stolen with her two-year-old daughter still inside while she completed an Instacart delivery in Atlanta on Thursday. Authorities confirmed the suspect was apprehended within 15 minutes after officers used license plate readers to locate the vehicle.
The incident began around 4:36 p.m. near 930 Spring Street NW, where the mother returned to find her car missing. A 911 call obtained by law enforcement captured her distress as she stated, 'My daughter was inside.'
Police identified Saleem Martin, 21, as the suspect after tracking the car’s location. Body camera footage showed officers removing Martin from the back seat of the vehicle as the toddler cried. The mother later told authorities that her daughter mentioned 'the man did it,' referring to Martin, who was found with 'both his hands on' the child’s torso at the time of arrest.
Martin faces multiple charges, including kidnapping, theft by taking, simple battery, entering an automobile, cruelty to children, and criminal attempt to commit a felony.
Timeline of Events
- 4:36 p.m.: Mother reports car stolen with toddler inside.
- Within 15 minutes: Police locate vehicle using license plate readers and arrest suspect.
- Arrest details: Martin found hiding in the back seat, with the toddler present.
- Charges filed: Kidnapping, theft, battery, and additional counts related to the incident.
Response from Authorities
The Atlanta Police Department confirmed the rapid response and arrest, emphasizing the use of technology to expedite the case. Officials did not provide further details on the investigation’s progress beyond the charges filed.
Community and Victim Impact
The mother, whose identity has not been disclosed, was reunited with her child after the arrest. The incident has drawn attention to vehicle security and child safety concerns in the area.