New information released on theft of SUV with children inside
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IDAHO FALLS — Local authorities continue to investigate the case of a car theft involving a white Toyota Sequoia that was taken with two small children inside on Wednesday.
The car theft was reported at about 5:15 p.m. at the the Grand Teton Council Boy Scouts of America office, located at 3910 S. Yellowstone in Idaho Falls.
Police reports show the vehicle was left idling and unlocked at the Boy Scout Office for about 5 minutes. There were two male children inside, ages 2 years old and 4 months old, according to an Idaho Falls Police news release. An unknown individual entered the vehicle and drove it away.
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A short time later, another caller reported to dispatch that a white Toyota Sequoia was left unattended at the intersection of South Boulevard and 7th Street in Idaho Falls.
Officers confirmed that it was the same vehicle and that both children were still in the SUV. The children were unharmed. Officers checked the area for witnesses, but could not locate any. The mother was notified and came to the location to be reunited with her children.
Detectives were notified. They processed the SUV for evidence before releasing it back to the owner.
Officials say there are no suspects at this time.
As the incident remains under investigation, no determination of any changes for any individual involved in this incident have been made.
While the specific act of leaving a child unattended in a vehicle is not illegal in the State of Idaho, willfully placing a child in a potentially dangerous situation is illegal.
Idaho Falls Police Chief Bryce Johnson states, “We would like to remind community members that vehicles can and may be stolen in even the safest of neighborhoods. It only takes a thief a few seconds to jump in a vehicle and take off with your children inside. During the hustle and bustle of busy lives, and especially during the holiday season, we all need to keep safety at the forefront of our minds.”
If anyone has any information about this case or others, please contact dispatch at (208) 529-1200, Crime Stoppers at (208) 522-1983 or report the information online at www.ifcrime.org.