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Most of us can remember a time or two in our younger days when our parents left us in parked cars while they ran into a store or gas station for a minute or two and then returned. It seems harmless enough. But an Ohio woman learned in the most horrific fashion that there can indeed be harm, particularly if the adult leaves keys in the vehicle.
Smart phone users all over our region heard a startling alarm late last month, when an Amber Alert went out asking people to watch for a missing 2008 Chevy Suburban and a missing 3-year-old and 1-year-old. Annoying as some may have found the intrusion, it worked. Zanesville police reported someone identified the vehicle in Washington, Pa., only a short time later. Pennsylvania State Police found and stopped it, and the missing children were recovered.
Thomas Pritchard of Zanesville has been charged with kidnapping, grand theft auto, driving under the influence of alcohol, endangering children, reckless endangerment and receiving stolen property. He may incur federal charges for crossing state lines.
Those children are back with their family now, but imagine what might have happened had the Amber Alert not gone out so quickly.
As the story appears to have ended well, it is a good reminder that, while it may cause everyone to jump when the alarm blares, a momentary fright is small price to pay for making it more likely missing people will be safely found.
And, it is a reminder not to leave children unattended in unlocked vehicles; and never leave the keys in a vehicle. The woman in this particular story says she was inside for less than 10 minutes. It only takes a few seconds for someone to spot what has happened and take advantage of the lapse. When children are involved, always err on the side of caution.