Idaho Falls, ID – At approximately 5:15 p.m. on Nov. 29, 2017, the Idaho Falls Police Department received a report that a white Toyota Sequoia with two small children inside was stolen from the Grand Teton Council - Boy Scouts of America office, located at 3910 S. Yellowstone in Idaho Falls.
It was reported that the vehicle was left idling and unlocked at the Boy Scout Office for 5 minutes. There were two male children inside, ages 2 years old and 4 months old.
A short time later, another caller reported to dispatch that a white Toyota Sequoia was left unattended at the intersection of S. Boulevard and 7th Street in Idaho Falls.
Officers found both children in the SUV on S. Boulevard. The children were unharmed. Officers checked the area for witnesses but could not locate any. The mother was notified and came to the location to be reunited with her children.
Detectives were notified. They processed the SUV for evidence before releasing it back to the owner.
There are no suspects at this time.
As the incident remains under investigation, no determination of any changes for any individual involved in this incident have been made.
While the specific act of leaving a child unattended in a vehicle is not illegal in the State of Idaho, willfully placing a child in a potentially dangerous situation is illegal. See Idaho Statute for details.
Idaho Falls Police Chief Bryce Johnson states, “We would like to remind community members that vehicles can and may be stolen in even the safest of neighborhoods. It only takes a thief a few seconds to jump in a vehicle and take off with your children inside. During the hustle and bustle of busy lives, and especially during the holiday season, we all need to keep safety at the forefront of our minds.”
IFPD is continuing to follow-up on leads. If anyone has any information about this case or others, please contact dispatch at (208) 529-1200, crime stoppers at (208) 522-1983 or report the information online at www.ifcrime.org.
No other information about this incident is available at this time.
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