A four-year-old Toronto girl who was the subject of an Amber Alert when a parked vehicle she was in was stolen outside her home in the city’s west-end has been reunited with her family.
“We’re all relieved and we want to thank everyone that was part of the search,” Tony Lam, the girl’s cousin, told reporters outside the family’s home Friday morning.
WATCH: 4-year-old Toronto girl found after Amber Alert. Lama Nicolas reports.
Police said the child was inside a black 2008 Toyota Camry when it was stolen from outside a home on Romanway Crescent around 6 a.m. in the area of Jane Street and Lawrence Avenue.
Police said the car was left running at the time and the child was sitting in the back seat.
Det. Ranbir Dhillon said a parent went inside the home to get another child when the vehicle was stolen by an unknown suspect. An Amber Alert was issued a short time later.
Police said the child was eventually located inside the abandoned vehicle just before 10 a.m. at a parking lot not far from where the car was stolen.
“Somebody walking by found the car,” Dhillon said. “It’s running. She’s inside, and our officers got on scene, confirmed that she’s inside.”
Dhillon told reporters the girl was not injured.
“Our officers arrived on scene and confirmed she’s OK,” Dhillon said. “This is the best possible outcome.”
VIDEO: Toronto Police announced Friday morning that the Amber Alert has been cancelled after the child taken from a west-end Toronto home was located.
Police said they don’t have a description of the suspect and the investigation is ongoing.
The girl’s father told Global News he was thrilled her daughter was found safe and thanked everyone for their help.
Authorities are once again warning motorists, especially parents, to never leave the car running outside unattended with a child inside.
“Do not leave your children in the car running,” Dhillon said. “You should be there with your child, especially if they’re this young. Do not leave your child in a car alone ever.”
The girl’s cousin said they are urging the public not to pass judgment on the parents.
“Everyone is going to start judging the parenting and all that kind of stuff but it was really one quick minute,” Lam said. “I hope this puts it into perspective for everyone else just to be more careful.”
VIDEO: A Toronto Police detective provided a timeline of the abduction – and eventual location – of the child.
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