5-year-old boy who was inside stolen vehicle in SW Houston found safe, police say

HOUSTON – A 5-year-old boy who was inside a stolen vehicle in southwest Houston Sunday has been found safe, police said.

“I just thank god,” said the child’s father Richard Banahene.

The young child, Richard Banahene, was inside his mother’s black 2009 Toyota Corrolla with paper tags 57887Y6, police said.

The vehicle was reported stolen from 11422 Southwest Freeway with the boy inside.

Police said Richard’s mother stopped to cash a check around 7:30 a.m. and left him inside the car because he was tired. Detectives said she was inside no more than 2 minutes when the vehicle was targeted and stolen.

HPD released surveillance video of the suspect involved:

Police said Richard was found safe inside the Corolla several hours later after a citizen spotted the vehicle and called law enforcement.

“I told him get inside the car I’m going to get you some help and less Then two minutes an officer was on site and he inspected the area,” said Carlos Marquez, the man who found the vehicle.

It is unknown how long the vehicle was sitting in the area. The suspect involved is still on the run.

Anyone with information is asked to call Houston Crime Stoppers at 731-222-8477.