Car stolen after Nashville man leaves toddler, keys inside
NASHVILLE, Tenn. (AP) — Police have arrested a man who they say stole a vehicle while a toddler was still in the back seat – and have arrested the girl’s father on a neglect charge.
The Metropolitan Nashville Police Department tells media outlets that Saturday night, 46-year-old Emanuel Batey went into a northwest Nashville store to buy cigarettes. He left his 19-month-old daughter in the back seat of the unlocked car with keys in the ignition.
While Batey was inside, police say Frederick Rutherford got into the car and drove away with the child still inside. Shortly thereafter, Batey called police.
Rutherford eventually surrendered to police and has been charged with vehicle theft, kidnapping and driving under the influence. Batey was charged with child neglect and driving without a license.
It’s unclear if either of the men have attorneys.
