The NOPD has arrested 31-year-old Shanita Baker after she allegedly stole a car with a 10-year-old boy inside.
According to investigators, at about 4:15 p.m. on July 25, 2023, a man left his car running in the 100 block of South Peters Street while he went into a business. A woman, later identified as Shanita Baker, black female DOB: 08-30-1991, got into the car and drove off with the victim's 10-year-old son.
A short time later, Third and Eighth District officers spotted the vehicle in the 3100 block of Gentilly Boulevard. Baker was quickly apprehended and the boy was recovered inside the car, unharmed.
Baker was transported to the Orleans Justice Center and booked on charges of auto theft, simple kidnapping and illegal possession of stolen things.
The New Orleans Police Department reminds parents not to leave underage children in vehicles unattended.
Anyone with additional information on this incident is asked to call (504) 821-2222 or Crimestoppers anonymously at (504) 822-1111 or toll-free at 1-877-903-7867.
Have a question or correction? Please email NOPD’s Public Affairs Division at nopdpio@nola.gov.