The Jacksonville Sheriff’s Office reports that a man stole an unattended car at a CVS while the mother was inside before realizing there was a baby on board.
JACKSONVILLE, Fla. — New body camera video from the Jacksonville Sheriff’s Office shows their investigation into the theft of a car — and subsequently, a baby — outside of a Jacksonville CVS.
Video from Jan. 8, 2026, shows officers responding to the store at the intersection of Collins Road and Blanding Boulevard, in the Duclay area, where a woman is crying in distress.
The sheriff’s office said the woman’s car, which was left running in the parking lot, was stolen while she was inside the store for a few minutes.
More importantly, her 19-month-old baby, who had been sleeping in the back, was also gone.
As officers searched for the car, JSO said a call came in about a child being left at a nearby gas station. According to the arrest report, a witness described seeing a man removing the baby from the car and pushing them down to the ground before driving off.
The car was later found running at an apartment complex close by, and the suspect, identified as Micah Simmons, 22, was detained after being spotted walking nearby, according to the report. Simmons allegedly admitted to taking the car, and said that he panicked when he realized there was a baby in the back, leading him to abandon them both.
“The suspect added that this is often a practice of his where he looks for unattended vehicles that are left running and he takes them as they are easy targets,” an officer said in the arrest report.
On his person, JSO said they found several cards, checks and an ID belonging to the victim.
“While we do not justify Simmons’ actions and are working to ensure justice is served, this incident is an important reminder: never leave a running vehicle unattended. If you’re stepping away from your car even for a few minutes turn it off and take your keys with you,” the sheriff’s office wrote on social media.
Simmons was subsequently arrested on several charges, including grand theft auto and battery. He has pleaded not guilty on all counts.
