Car Stolen with Baby Inside: Thief Found with Child Safe in Hungary

Car Theft Takes Unusual Turn with Baby’s Safe Return

In a series of remarkable events spanning several years, car thefts have taken unexpected turns when thieves discovered infants in the vehicles they stole. These incidents, occurring in both Oregon and Utah, highlight the unpredictable nature of crime and the surprising prioritization of a child’s safety by those involved.

One incident, originally reported in 2021 in Beaverton, Oregon, resurfaced recently on social media. According to reports, a car thief stole a vehicle only to find an eight-month-old baby in the backseat. In an astonishing move, the thief returned the child to the mother, reportedly scolding her for leaving the baby unattended while briefly entering a store. After the lecture, the thief then stole the car again and fled the scene.

A similar situation unfolded in Salt Lake City, Utah, on Monday, August 5, 2025. A mother left her car running in her driveway while briefly going inside to retrieve her other children. A suspect seized the opportunity and drove off with the vehicle, unaware that the mother’s eight-month-old baby was sleeping in the backseat.

However, unlike typical car theft scenarios, the suspect in Utah quickly realized the presence of the infant. He drove directly to the Sheriff’s office, handed the baby to an off-duty officer, and confessed to the crime. The baby was unharmed and safely returned to the mother.

The suspect, identified as 29-year-old Dimitri Saliba, was arrested by officers from the Salt Lake City Police Department and the South Salt Lake Police Department. According to a statement from Salt Lake City Police Chief Mike Brown, “This is a very unusual situation and we are all grateful for the positive outcome.” Chief Brown emphasized the dedication of law enforcement across Utah to community safety.

Police utilized license plate reader technology in the Utah case to track the stolen vehicle. The incident prompted a reminder from authorities about the dangers of leaving children unattended in vehicles, even for short periods.

Another incident occurred in Szombathely, Hungary in January, where two 16-year-old boys stole a car with a five-year-old child inside. The boys subsequently left the child on the street before continuing with the theft.

The Utah case saw a swift response from law enforcement, with the suspect turning himself in and the baby being recovered safely. The Salt Lake City Police Department shared details of the arrest on social media, highlighting the collaborative effort with the South Salt Lake Police and the Salt Lake County Sheriff’s Office.

These cases, while unusual, underscore the unpredictable nature of criminal behavior and, in some instances, a surprising display of concern for the well-being of children. Authorities continue to emphasize the importance of vehicle security and responsible parenting to prevent similar incidents from occurring.