PHOENIX (AZFamily) — A man is facing multiple felony charges after police say he unknowingly kidnapped a toddler while stealing a truck in Phoenix on Sunday.
Around 11 a.m., police responded to the area of 67th Avenue and Roosevelt Street after a caller told 911 someone stole a truck with a 3-year-old child inside.
The suspect, identified as 22-year-old Francisco Roman Ruiz, supposedly took off east on Roosevelt Street after getting into the truck. While he was driving away, police say Ruiz realized there was a child inside.
That’s when he got out of the truck and gave the child to someone on the street before trying to take off again with the vehicle, according to court paperwork. Police said multiple witnesses, including the victim, detained Ruiz until officers arrived.
After being read his Miranda Rights, Ruiz allegedly admitted to stealing the truck but said he was “unaware of a child having been in the truck when he took it.” Ruiz also told officers he was grabbed by “some men” and “held down and hit,” claiming he did not fight back against them.
Luckily, the child was returned to his father unharmed.
Ruiz was arrested and booked on felony kidnapping and theft charges. His bond was set at $25,000.
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