WILLIMANTIC — A white Volkswagen Tiguan was stolen from a local gas station at approximately 4:17 p.m. today, with a 3-year-old child inside, Willimantic Police reported.
The male suspect commandeered the idling vehicle and fled the gas station.
Shortly thereafter, the suspect left the child in a parking lot in Lebanon, in front of a business where people were present.
The suspect then fled the scene.
Responding officers located the child a short time later, confirmed their identity, and transported them to the hospital for a precautionary evaluation.
The Department of Children and Families has been notified and is involved in the ongoing investigation.
Willimantic Police deployed all available resources upon receiving the call, using digital platforms and area canvassing to establish the whereabouts of the stolen vehicle.
These rapid actions were crucial in ensuring the child’s safe recovery.
The suspect was later apprehended in Preston and taken to Willimantic Police Headquarters to face charges.
The investigation is active, and officials expressed gratitude to all law enforcement agencies that contributed to the resolution of the incident.
More details will be provided as the investigation progresses.
