A terrifying incident unfolded in Kenner, Louisiana, on Sunday afternoon when a 10-year-old boy made a brave escape from an SUV being stolen by a suspected serial criminal. Security video captured the dramatic moment the boy jumped out of the vehicle and ran for help.
Theft in a Dollar General Parking Lot
The incident occurred around 1:30 p.m. in the parking lot of a Dollar General store. Police say 36-year-old Mackenzie Switzer arrived at the scene driving a Chevy Malibu, which had been reported stolen in New Orleans.
According to Police Chief Keith Conley, Switzer abandoned the stolen Malibu, jumped into a Nissan Rogue parked nearby, and drove off, unaware a 10-year-old boy was inside.
“He shows up in the 200-block of Veterans at a retail outlet, abandons a stolen vehicle, jumps into a Nissan Rogue, takes off and it had a ten-year-old child in the car,” Chief Conley stated.
Boy’s Quick Escape Caught on Video
The Nissan Rogue was reportedly left unattended with the engine running and doors unlocked. Surveillance video shows the suspect entering the SUV, but before he could leave the parking lot, the quick-thinking boy jumped out and ran back into the store.
Cellphone Helps Police Track Suspect
The boy’s cellphone was accidentally left inside the stolen Nissan, which provided a crucial tracking tool for investigators. License plate readers later picked up the SUV in Metairie.
Switzer was then spotted by officers in the 8600-block of Airline Drive. Investigators say he had broken into a nearby car dealership and was seen attempting to use stolen key fobs on various vehicles in the parking lot.
“Our officers saw him walking the parking lot, trying the fobs, trying to see what vehicle matched up with that fob when he was confronted by the officer and detained,” Chief Conley explained.
Arrest and Charges
Police arrested Switzer, whom they describe as a “drifter and serial criminal accused of crimes from Florida to California.” He now faces a list of charges, including:
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Illegal Possession of Stolen Things
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Carjacking
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Simple Kidnapping
The 10-year-old boy was unharmed, thanks to his swift action.
Watch the video below.
