Police in Georgia are still searching for a missing 1-year-old boy who was strapped into the backseat of a stolen grey Ford Explorer.
An Amber Alert was issued for Blaise Barnett early Wednesday, an hour after someone stole the SUV with him in it.
The child was in his car seat while his parents were unloading grocery bags at 1 a.m. Wednesday at the Parc 1000 apartments on Montreal Road in Clarkston, Georgia.
The keys were left in the ignition and the engine was running.
Xavier Barnett, Blaise’s father, told The Atlanta Journal-Constitution he had just carried his 3-year-old nephew into the apartment, and when he returned for his son, the SUV was gone.
“I just broke down. Please, bring him home. The car don’t even matter, just bring my son home,” he said.
WATCH: BREAKING – Amber Alert issued for 1-year-old taken during car theft in Clarkston – https://t.co/qNm51T238o #DeKalb pic.twitter.com/eVpAiVgJ4s
— John Spink (@johnjspink) November 10, 2021
Police found the abandoned SUV Wednesday afternoon, 11 hours after it was stolen. But the child is still missing.
The SUV with paper tags was located at the vacant Brannon Hills Condominiums complex along Memorial College Avenue.
James Dent told Channel 2 Action News he saw a man walking in the area, which drew his attention to the stolen SUV.
Dent said he tried to approach the man, who ran off shouting. Clarkston police found the man and questioned him, but later released him.
Social media users expressed their doubts about the case on Twitter.com.
As a parent I’m totally confused why either of them would leave the baby in a running car, even for “30 seconds.” I’m praying for his safe return home but will remain confused.
— Donnell Suggs (@suggswriter) November 10, 2021
I’m shocked tbh. I’m can’t wrap my head around their demeanour.
— Marnie O'Hare (@ohare_marnie) November 10, 2021
So, they left a child alone in an unlocked vehicle?! With the keys in it too!
— Ian Scott (@Real_IanScott) November 10, 2021
He’s probably wherever YOU left him. You know how this is gonna turn out, YOU know you’re lying, Blaise KNOWS what you did.
— Brittany (@Anya_Butt01) November 10, 2021
