On Tuesday, May 9th, 2024, a man from Central New York was apprehended and charged with attempted grand larceny in connection with an incident involving an attempted car theft with a baby inside.
Incident Details:
At approximately 3:30 PM, the victim, a grandmother, was fueling her vehicle at a gas station on East Taft Road in the town of Cicero, Onondaga County. Her 1-year-old grandson was sleeping in a car seat in the back seat of the car.
As she was pumping gas, the suspect, later identified as 32-year-old Kevin Smith, approached the vehicle and attempted to open the driver's side door. However, the door was locked, and the victim quickly realized the suspect's suspicious behavior.
Smith then went to the passenger side door, which was also locked. The victim confronted Smith, who initially denied any wrongdoing. However, when the victim threatened to call the police, Smith fled the scene on foot.
Investigation and Apprehension:
The victim immediately called 911 to report the incident. Cicero Police responded promptly and began an investigation. Based on the victim's description, officers located Smith nearby and took him into custody.
Charges and Legal Proceedings:
Smith was charged with attempted grand larceny in the second degree, a class D felony. He was also charged with endangering the welfare of a child, a class A misdemeanor.
Smith was arraigned in Cicero Town Court and remanded to the Onondaga County Justice Center on $10,000 cash bail. He is scheduled to reappear in court on Thursday, May 11th.
Public Safety Concerns:
This incident has raised concerns about the safety of children left unattended in vehicles, even for short periods. Cicero Police Chief Frank Thorp urged parents and caregivers to exercise caution and never leave children unattended in parked cars, even if the keys are removed.
Community Reaction:
The community of Cicero was shaken by the incident. Many residents expressed outrage and concern over the safety of children and condemned Smith's actions.
Prosecutorial Statement:
Onondaga County District Attorney William Fitzpatrick praised the quick response of the Cicero Police and the vigilance of the victim. He stated that the charges against Smith "send a strong message that we will not tolerate this type of behavior, especially when the lives of innocent children are at stake."
Implications for Child Safety:
Experts emphasize the importance of preventing child abductions and incidents like the one that occurred in Cicero. Here are some key points to remember:
- Never leave children unattended in a vehicle, even for a moment.
- Always lock your car doors and roll up the windows.
- Park in well-lit, heavily populated areas.
- If you see suspicious activity around a parked vehicle with a child inside, do not hesitate to call 911.
- Educate children about stranger danger and the importance of staying away from unknown individuals.
