Woonsocket Man Accused Of Stealing Car With 2-Year-Old Inside

WOONSOCKET, RI — Police say a Woonsocket man has been arrested for stealing a vehicle that had a 2-year old girl in the backseat, reported WPRI.

Derek Franklin, 35, was charged with larceny over $1,500 and released on $10,000 personal recognizance, according to Woonsocket police. He is next scheduled to appear in court on August 3.

Police say the car was stolen just after 3 p.m. on Elm Street when a woman went inside a store and left her toddler in the back seat with the car running.

Franklin allegedly drove down the street before abandoning the vehicle, according to police. Officers found the car less than a block away on Sweet Avenue with the child unharmed inside.

Police were able to identify Franklin from security footage and a tip from the public. They obtained an arrest warrant and took Franklin into custody outside of his home.

The owner of the stolen car was cited for leaving a motor vehicle unattended, according to police.