Accused thief arrested after taking car with baby inside, leading cops on chase, police say – NJ.com

An East Orange man was arrested after he stole a car with a baby inside, led police on a chase and jumped from the moving vehicle Thursday in Maplewood, authorities said.

Jaquan Shiggs, 22, was charged with multiple offenses, including kidnapping, theft, eluding and endangering the welfare of a child, according to Maplewood Police Chief Jimmy DeVaul.

The ordeal began around 2 p.m. when the vehicle was stolen from outside a CVS on Valley Street while the baby’s mother was in the store, police said. Officers rushed to the scene and broadcast a description of the stolen vehicle to nearby departments.

South Orange police spotted the car, chasing it along with Maplewood officers, according to DeVaul. The suspect bailed out from the moving vehicle before running from officers through backyards off Waverly Place in South Orange, where he was caught, police said.

“The vehicle continued to roll a short distance with the child inside and struck an unoccupied mail truck then came to a stop,” DeVaul said.

Emergency medical services checked the baby, who was not hurt, he said. The mother and child were reunited at the scene.

“I want to personally thank the South Orange Police and all of the officers that were involved including our dispatchers from both towns who simultaneously shared information leading to the arrest and rescue of this child within minutes from when the incident occurred,” DeVaul said.

Shiggs was being held at the Essex County Correctional Facility, police said.

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Noah Cohen may be reached at ncohen@njadvancemedia.com.