Police Say Oregon Man Who Stole A Car With A Child In The Back Seat Came Back And 'Lectured' The Mom

Back in 2021, in Oregon, authorities were actively searching for an individual who, on a Saturday morning, took a car without realizing there was a child in the backseat. Later, he came back to scold the mother for leaving her child alone.

Youtube/ @ KPTV FOX 12 Oregon

Upon discovering the child in the backseat, the suspect went back to the mother and proceeded to scold her. He not only threatened to report her to the police but also took off in her car, as reported by Officer Matt Henderson, the spokesperson for the Beaverton Police.

"He hopped in the car, drove it, realized there was a 4-year-old inside, and drove back and ordered her to take the child out of the car and then drove away again," Henderson said. 

Getty Images

"We're thankful he had the decency to bring the little one back."

The Beaverton Police have confirmed that the young boy involved in the incident was unharmed.

The incident occurred at a meat market in Beaverton, where Crystal Leary had left her car running with the doors unlocked. 

Youtube/ @ KPTV FOX 12 Oregon

She went inside for a brief period to buy meat and a gallon of milk, remaining just 15 feet away from the vehicle on the other side of the glass, according to Officer Henderson. Unfortunately, she turned around at the wrong moment.

"As moms, we get really busy and we think we're just running in for a second and this is just a perfect example of just letting our guards down and how terrible it could have ended," the mother told CNN affiliate KPTV. 

"I am thankful that he is okay. It was so stupid and I'll never do that again, but it's that split second decision that can just change everything."

The stolen vehicle, identified as a 2013 silver Honda Pilot, was found several hours later in Portland, merely eight miles away from Beaverton. 

Despite the recovery of the car, the police, under the direction of Officer Henderson, continue their efforts to locate the perpetrator who is still at large.

"This is a good learning lesson for all of us who have children," Henderson said. 

"Be extra careful with your kids, take the extra step to make sure they're safe."