15-year-old girl arrested for stealing car with 14-month-old baby inside

MILWAUKEE (WITI) -- New developments in the case of a car stolen from a Milwaukee gas station with a baby inside. Milwaukee police have arrested a 15-year-old girl who is responsible, and this isn't her first auto theft.

The teen stole the vehicle Thursday morning, April 2nd, on Milwaukee's south side.

The incident began when a 28-year-old, Amber Strube, left her 14-month-old baby boy, Elijah, inside her 2007 Mazda 3 which she left with the keys in the ignition, running, and unlocked in a gas station parking lot at 3100 S. 60th Street. As Strube was inside the store, she saw her car drive off with her Elijah still inside.

Witnesses attempted to follow her, but could not keep up.

Jenni Konieczny found herself an accidental observer of the very strange series of events Thursday morning.

"I was in my backyard in the morning having my coffee letting the dog out and, you know, talking on the phone and kind of looked over and saw a lady screaming and then I saw the police pull up and then I heard her I though was saying 'my baby, my baby,'" said Konieczny.

Milwaukee police located the stolen vehicle about 45 minutes later parked in the 3000 block of S. 50th Street. The car was still running, keys were in the ignition, and Elijah was still in the car seat asleep and unharmed. He was then reunited with his mother.

Authorities say officers from District Seven were patrolling the area of N. 40th and W. Townsend Streets at about 6:30 p.m. Thursday evening, April 2nd, when they located the car described as the one used in the earlier incident.

The suspect, who also matched the description of the suspect in the auto theft, was arrested as she exited the car -- which had also been stolen on March 28th from the 5000 block of N. 69th Street.

"I don't know what to say because if that was my daughter I'd just be on her," said Christopher Handy, lives near location where suspect was caught.

FOX6 News stopped by the streets where the 15-year-old was arrested as well as where Thursday's search began -- those we spoke with seemed surprised that someone so young was responsible.

"She's 15, obviously doesn't really know what she'd done but hopefully, you know, they'll give her the proper repercussions of doing something not only so dangerous, you know, getting in the car stealing another car. Two cars in one day and a child," said Konieczny.

The 15-year-old girl told detectives that she had been riding with two other girls in the car that was stolen on March 28th when they found the Mazda running in the gas station parking lot. The girl said when she took the Mazda, she only made it a short distance before realizing there was a baby in the back seat.

The 15-year-old girl has been referred to Milwaukee County Children's Court where she faces possible charges of auto theft, abduction, and child abandonment.

28-year-old Strube has been referred to the Milwaukee County District Attorney's Office who will determine whether charges against her are appropriate.

FOX6 News will continue to monitor this incident and will continue to update when more information is available.