Man accused of stealing minivan with baby inside in Dayton behind bars

UPDATE @ 8:20 p.m.

A man Dayton police identified as a person of interest in the Thursday theft of a minivan with a baby inside is now facing charges.

Richard Bruce Leet, 57, was booked into the Montgomery County Jail on suspicion of kidnapping, child endangering, grand theft (auto) and theft, all felony charges.

He is scheduled to appear Monday in Dayton Municipal Court.

A woman was with Leet, but it is not clear whether she will face charges.

UPDATE @ 11:55 a.m.

Richard Leet, 57, a person of interest in the theft of a minivan that had a baby inside, has been taken into custody, police said today.

We’re waiting to learn whether he will be charged in the incident.

OTHER LOCAL NEWS: Dayton man arrested after vehicle stolen with child inside at Troy gas station

FIRST REPORT

Dayton police have revealed that Richard Leet, 57, is a person of interest in the theft of a minivan that had a baby inside on Wednesday.

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Leet stands 5 feet 7 inches, and weighs 180 pounds. His last known address was on St. Johns Avenue in Dayton.

Police responded to Clark Oil gas station, 1655 N. Gettysburg Ave., just before midnight to search for the baby and the minivan after a frantic 911 call.

“He just pulled off in my car,” the woman yelled to dispatchers. “It’s a baby in the car.”

Both the minivan and infant were located shortly after the vehicle was stolen, police said.

She said the van was a black 2008 Town and Country minivan with a front headlight that was out.

She said she was babysitting the baby when the theft occurred, and that the baby belonged to her cousin.

Police released surveillance video of a man and woman who are considered suspects in the case.

Police are asking anyone with information on Leet’s location to call the police at 937-333-2677 or Miami Valley Crime Stoppers at 937-222-7867.