4-year-old child found safe after abduction, car theft at gas station on Poplar
MEMPHIS, Tenn. – Memphis Police said a car with a 4-year-old child inside was stolen
MEMPHIS, Tenn. – Memphis Police said a car with a 4-year-old child inside was stolen from a gas station on Poplar Avenue on Thursday afternoon.
The child was found unharmed about 90 minutes later near Oakdale and Avery, police said. Four suspects were detained Thursday.
UPDATE, FRIDAY: Four juveniles charged after 4-year-old abducted from gas station
Memphis Police responded to the scene at the Shell gas station at 2962 Poplar near the Benjamin Hooks Main Library. The suspect stole a four-door, gray Nissan Rogue with Michigan tags.
A customer reportedly left a 4-year-old child and their keys inside the vehicle. Memphis Police identified the child as Samaria Becerra.
A family member says Samaria and her parents are from Michigan. They were in town so that Samaria could receive treatment from St. Jude.
Memphis Police say a black Dodge Challenger may have been following the stolen vehicle.
Exclusive surveillance video shows the Dodge pull up next to the Nissan. A person slowly gets out of the passenger side of the Dodge and gets into the Nissan. Then, both vehicles drive away.
Memphis Police say that while searching for Samaria, an officer found a dark gray Dodge Challenger in the area of Crump & Walnut. After running the car’s tags, the officer discovered the car had been reported stolen.
The suspects in that vehicle reportedly drove to the area of St. Charles and Signal before running away from the stolen car.
Memphis Police say four suspects have been detained at this time. Officers are working to determine if the suspects are connected to the abduction and car theft.