Police: Thief Swipes Minivan With 3 Kids Inside; Children Found Safe Minutes Later

Sunday, March 25th 2007, 3:00 pm

By: News On 6

SUPERIOR TOWNSHIP, Mich. (AP) _ A thief drove off in a minivan that was left running with three children sleeping inside, but the vehicle was found minutes later with all three unharmed and still asleep, authorities said.

The children's mother had stopped at a convenience store Friday night in Superior Township just outside of Ann Arbor. As she left the store, she saw the van being driven away, police said. A witness reported that the van had been driven across the street to a road that leads to an apartment complex.

Washtenaw County sheriff's deputies found the van with the children, ages 6, 5 and 19 months, but the thief got away.

Police unsuccessfully searched for the person who stole the van.