Mayor Domenic J. Sarno joined this afternoon with Police Superintendent Cheryl Clapprood, Deputy Chief Lawrence Akers, Deputy Chief Rupert Daniels, Captain Jeff Martucci, and Sgt. Denny Denault of the Springfield Police Department’s Auto-Theft Unit to continue to urge drivers not to leave their cars unattended while they are running.
Around 7:30 p.m. Wednesday officers responded to State Street for a report of a stolen car with a 2-year-old inside. The father left the car running and exited the vehicle to walk a passenger to their door on Oak Grove Avenue. When he got to the front porch, he heard the door slam and the car take-off.
About 20 minutes later, Officers located the vehicle about a half-mile away on Edgewood St. with the baby girl asleep and unharmed in the car.
Springfield Police Detectives then observed two suspects in another stolen car. Detectives then activated their emergency lights and the driver refused to pull over. The driver ran red lights, stop signs and drove the wrong way down multiple streets. The driver stopped on Hayden Avenue and both the driver and passenger tried to run away. Detectives arrested the passenger, a 15-year-old girl. The driver was able to get away.
During the pursuit, two unmarked cruisers struck each other, injuring three of our officers.
Since February 8th – there have been 45 cars stolen either running or with the keys left inside. Stolen Hyundais and Kias are also still an issue.
These are crimes of opportunity and easily avoidable.
- Tips to protect yourself from being a victim of auto-theft:
- Never leave your car running unattended
- Roll up your windows, lock your door and take your keys or key fob with you
- Park in a well-lit area
- Do not leave valuables in plain sight or in your car at all
- Use a steering wheel locking device or a wheel locking device
- If you are a victim of auto-theft:
- Call the police and report the theft
- Call your insurance company
Mayor Sarno states, “I commend our brave and dedicated officers who responded to protect an innocent 2-year-old. I am so relieved that the little one was found safe and unharmed, but we must be mindful that this crime of opportunity is continuing to occur. Please do not leave your car running and unattended, especially if there is a child inside. We have had 45 cars stolen with keys inside in a very short time – let’s not make it any easier on those perpetrating these crimes – please, please make sure to lock up your car and remove valuables. Important to note is that the vast majority of the car thefts are perpetrated by juveniles. Parents please know where your kids are and what they are up to. Our brave and dedicated police officers will continue to pursue violent offenders and arrest and charge those who commit these crimes. But without back-up from the courts to hold perpetrators, they face no real consequences and are only emboldened. So please, once again, be mindful, lock your vehicles, and never leave a child unattended.”
