Grand Island, Neb. — Three young children were being treated for frostbite in Nebraska Sunday after police said two suspects stole an SUV while they were inside.
A 5-year-old, 1-year-old and 7-month-old were found with suspected hypothermia and frostbite after authorities say the carjackers were arrested with the SUV.
The children were not in the SUV when the suspects were arrested. Two children were found in another vehicle that had been reported stolen and the infant was found on the front porch of a farmhouse. Grand Island Police said a man had reported around 3 a.m. Sunday that his 2012 Chevrolet Traverse had been stolen with his three children inside. It was around 0 degrees at the time.
18 year old Tate Wolfe of Kearney and a 17 year old male were arrested for kidnapping, child abuse, theft by unlawful taking, theft by receiving stolen property and flight to avoid arrest.
The 17 year old is also charged with obstruction.
A news release from the Grand Island Police Department indicated that the investigation found no negligent behavior on behalf of the parents. The parents loaded the children in the running vehicle due to the cold, and engaged in very brief conversation with neighbors, at which time the suspects took opportunity to steal the running vehicle. The circumstances were corroborated by video evidence.
The children have all been treated and released, and reunited with their family, while the suspects remain in the custody of the Hall County Jail.
