LAUDERHILL, Fla. – A baby was found safe Friday after a car was stolen in Lauderhill with the baby inside, authorities said.
A witness told Local 10 News reporter Madeleine Wright that a woman was inside the Kwik Stop at 4021 NW 16th St. when she suddenly ran outside.
He said she tried to stop the carjacker, but her vehicle was locked.
He said she held onto the red Dodge Challenger as the man drove away and was dragged as the thief pulled out of the parking lot.
"So I ran outside and said, 'Get away from my car,'" the baby's mother, identified only as Angie, said. "He opened the door and got in. I grabbed onto the door. He dragged me with the car, put it in reverse, put in drive and drove away. I said, 'Please don't take the baby. Please don't take my car. My baby is inside.'"
Police said the vehicle was abandoned in the area of 1200 NW 43rd Terrace.
The baby was still inside the car and appeared to be OK, authorities said.
"We are believers of Christ and I knew that she was fine," Angie said. "So, I had a lot of peace, and thankfully, she was fine and she is fine."
Wright spoke with the baby's mother, who admitted that she made a mistake by leaving her 4-month-old daughter inside her car.
Angie said she went into the Kwik Stop to quickly pay a bill and saw a man taking her car.
She said she was dragged a few feet by the vehicle, but eventually let go so she wouldn't be run over.
Angie said she felt at peace once she found out that her daughter was OK, but said she hopes her experience is a reminder to other parents to never leave their children inside a car alone, even for a second.
"Please, just make sure that you never leave your baby in the car. Never, even just for a second. Even if you think it will be fine if the car is locked. Just don't do it. It is not worth the risk," Angie said.
No arrests have been made.
Anyone with information is asked to call Broward Crime Stoppers at 954-493-TIPS.