A New Jersey woman and a juvenile were arrested on Wednesday morning in Hewlett for attempting to steal a vehicle, according to police.
Authorities responded to a residence on Seawane Road around 6:30 a.m. after receiving a report of an attempted stolen car. Detectives say an underage boy tried to steal a running vehicle but quickly abandoned the attempt and fled in a white Hyundai driven by 19-year-old Melissa Maldonado.
Police tracked the getaway vehicle and arrested both suspects shortly after. Officers also discovered that Maldonado’s 11-month-old son was in the backseat at the time of the crime. Fortunately, the infant was unharmed and was later released into the custody of a family member.
Maldonado has been charged with attempted grand larceny and endangering the welfare of a child. She is scheduled to be arraigned in Hempstead on Thursday. The juvenile suspect has also been charged with attempted grand larceny.
Authorities have not disclosed further details about the incident or the identity of the juvenile involved. The case remains under investigation.
This incident raises concerns about rising vehicle theft attempts and the involvement of minors in criminal activities. Law enforcement officials continue to emphasize the importance of securing vehicles and reporting suspicious activities to prevent such crimes.
