Atlanta, Georgia — What began as a routine Instacart delivery quickly turned into every parent’s worst nightmare when a Georgia mother’s vehicle was allegedly stolen with her 2-year-old daughter still strapped into the back seat. Thanks to a rapid police response, officers located the vehicle within minutes and safely rescued the child before arresting the suspect.
Mother Called 911 After Vehicle Disappeared
According to the Atlanta Police Department, officers responded to a reported vehicle theft and kidnapping at 930 Spring Street around 4:36 p.m. on July 30.
The frightened mother called 911 moments after realizing her car had vanished. Through tears, she told the dispatcher that someone had stolen her vehicle while her 2-year-old daughter remained inside.
She explained that she had briefly stepped away to deliver an Instacart order and returned to find both the vehicle and her child gone.
Investigators later determined that the vehicle had been left running while the toddler was still seated inside.
Officers Located the Vehicle Within Minutes
Atlanta police immediately launched a search through the department’s Auto Crimes Enforcement Unit. Using the city’s license plate reader system, investigators located the stolen vehicle approximately 15 minutes later.
Police identified the driver as 21-year-old Saleem Martin.
Body camera footage released by the department shows officers surrounding the vehicle and ordering Martin to exit with his hands raised. He was taken into custody without further incident as the little girl’s cries could be heard coming from inside the vehicle.
Authorities confirmed the child was not physically injured and was safely reunited with her parents shortly after the arrest.
Suspect Faces Multiple Criminal Charges
Following his arrest, Martin was charged with several offenses, including:
- Kidnapping
- Theft by taking
- Simple battery
- Entering an automobile
- Cruelty to children
- Criminal attempt to commit a felony
The investigation later expanded after additional allegations surfaced following the child’s rescue.
Arrest Warrant Reveals Additional Allegations
According to an arrest warrant cited by local reports, the child’s mother noticed the bottom of her daughter’s dress was unbuttoned after they were reunited.
When she asked her daughter about it, the child allegedly stated “the man did it,” referring to the person police had found driving the vehicle.
The warrant also alleges officers found Martin with both hands on the child’s torso while he was inside the vehicle in a Publix parking lot, where investigators said he appeared to be attempting to hide between the seats.
Because of those allegations, the Special Victims Unit joined the investigation.
According to the warrant, Martin told investigators he had been touching the child in an attempt to calm her down. He also allegedly claimed he entered the vehicle because he wanted to return to New Jersey and said he did not initially realize a young child was sitting in the back seat.
Those allegations remain part of the ongoing criminal case and have not been proven in court.
Investigation Continues
Authorities have not released additional details about the investigation, which remains active. The case highlights the dangers of leaving a vehicle running, even for a brief moment, particularly when children are inside.
Martin remains accused of multiple serious offenses, and the charges against him will be addressed through the court process.
What are your thoughts on this frightening incident? What additional safety measures do you think delivery drivers and parents should take to help prevent situations like this? Share your opinion in the comments below.
