A woman told police she went in a store on 4th Avenue, leaving her keys and her two children in the vehicle. As she was inside the store, she saw the car being driven away.
Crystal Ellison said she had gone into the Discount Food Mart to get some juice for her children. She said she was paying for the juice when she saw a bald-headed black male wearing a black shirt get in her 1996 Nissan Altima and drive off.
Ms. Ellison said she followed the car on foot, then was picked up by the owner of the store and they drove after the stolen vehicle.
They followed it to the Fast Food and Fuel at 2727 Rossville Blvd.
Officers said they were answering a report of a stolen vehicle when "a very frantic woman" arrived at the gas station.
A BOLO was put out for the Nissan and it was soon spotted by an officer at 1500 Watauga St. The children were not hurt, but were crying for their mother.
Officers said the bald-headed man was seen running around the Lynnbrook area. A number of officers went to the scene.
A short time later, a man matching the description of the car thief was found lying underneath a porch at 1809 S. Orchard Knob Ave.
He was taken in front of the woman, and she positively identified him.
The man, Willie Bradley, 44, repeatedly denied he had anything to do with the incident. But he was charged with theft over $1,000 and kidnapping.