Quick Thinking Toddler Uses Phone To Thwart Car Theft, Kidnapping

NEW YORK(CBSNewYork) -- A boy was kidnapped when his mother left her car running, but what the boy did next has turned into a teachable moment.

As CBS2's Meg Baker reported, a 3-year-old left in a car managed to save himself from a kidnapper.

The terrifying ordeal began when Elizabeth Barrios' car, with her toddler son inside, was stolen in Utah.

She made the mistake of leaving her son Aiden inside while running into a daycare center to drop off another child.

Aiden knew what to do with his mothers phone so the police could track him.

Parent Coach Tammy Gold said teaching technology early can be vital in emergency situations.

"Give them the code. Teach them how to open your phone, how to answer, how to dial 911. Teach them how to work these complex devices because it could save their life, like in a case like this," Gold said.

Police dialed the phone left in Barrios' car and the toddler answered. The surprised thief ran off. Aiden followed instructions to honk the horn until police located the car.

"Knowing he was safe, and brave, and willing to do whatever for us to find him." Barrios said.

Golden rule number one; never leave your child in the car alone, not even for a minute. Rule number two; knowledge is power.

"At three I tell parents to teach them how to work a cell phone and a regular phone, and I say make a song out of your number, because it's much easier for them to remember," Gold said.

Experts also suggest arming your child with an urgent response device.

"It's not a smartphone. They aren't going to text or be on Facebook. One button to touch for mom and dad, and some have GPS trackers in them," Gold said.

Role playing a scary situation helps children determine which strangers may be able to help them.

"Go to a policeman, go to a police station. Arm them with tools, because when people are stressed they can't think properly," Gold said.

In New Jersey leaving a child unattended in a vehicle is considered abuse or neglect. If you leave the car, the child has to leave the car.

Gold also advised parents to go over the rules with people who care for their children.

You May Also Be Interested In These Stories