Suspect steals car with child inside, leads police on chase through West Akron

A 21-year-old man was arrested Thursday morning after stealing a vehicle from a Circle K parking lot that had a child inside, Akron police said.

Around 8:30 a.m., officers received a call about a vehicle being stolen with a child inside in the 600 block of East Market Street. When they found the vehicle, officers initiated a pursuit through West Akron.

During the pursuit, police said the suspect, identified as Ja Den White, struck at least one police cruiser, injuring an officer.

When White reached Moon Street and Bellevue Avenue, he placed the 2-year-old boy, who was still in his car seat, out of the vehicle at the intersection and continued to flee from police. White was caught in the 1500 block of Superior Avenue. A handgun was recovered from the vehicle, police said.

The child, who appeared unharmed, was reunited with his mother and later taken to Akron Children’s Hospital for evaluation, according to police.

The officer was also taken to a local hospital.

White is charged with kidnapping, willful flee, felonious assault on a peace officer and receiving stolen property. Police said additional charges may be filed.

In August 2023, a Cuyahoga Falls man carjacked two vehicles — one with three small children inside — and attempted to take a third vehicle before being apprehended in Akron.

Last month, a mother from the Columbus area was killed while trying to stop the theft of her vehicle with her son inside.

More: Mark Carlson of Cuyahoga Falls sentenced in Green carjacking, kidnapping

Don't leave children alone in a vehicle

Kids and Car Safety, a national group, has so far documented 61 children who were left alone in a vehicle that was stolen this year.

Although the victims of these types of incidents typically survive, the group says on its website that these incidents are easily avoidable.

The group offers these tips for parents and guardians:

• Never leave a child of any age or pet alone in a vehicle, not even for a minute.
• Use a drive-thru or curbside pickup so you don't have to leave your vehicle.
• If a business doesn't offer curbside delivery, call upon arrival and ask them to bring your order to your car. Most people are more than happy to accommodate you when you tell them you have small children.
• Keep car doors locked and keys on your person when pumping gas with children inside the vehicle.

For more information on the dangers children face when left alone in vehicles, visit the Kids and Car Safety's website.

This article originally appeared on Akron Beacon Journal: Suspect steals car with child inside, leads police on chase through West Akron