Inset: Ronald Loftis (Ohio Department of Rehabilitation and Correction). Background: The 7900 block of Madison Avenue in Cleveland, Ohio, where Loftis allegedly carjacked a woman (Google Maps).

The crime unfolded at approximately 7:30 a.m. on Friday in the 7900 block of Madison Avenue, according to the Cleveland police. Reports indicate that Loftis approached the woman, brandishing a firearm and demanding money. When the woman informed him she had no cash, a struggle ensued over her car keys. During this altercation, the gun discharged, injuring her face.

Authorities expressed grave concern over the incident, stating, “This brazen and reckless act not only jeopardized the victim’s life but also posed a significant threat to the safety of a child present during the event.”

According to the victim’s daughter, who spoke with local Fox affiliate WJW, Loftis forcibly removed the toddler from the car, leaving him in the snow, before making his escape in the stolen vehicle. Police were able to recover the car shortly after the theft and, through further investigation, identified Loftis as the perpetrator.

The victim’s daughter told local Fox affiliate WJW that Loftis grabbed the boy and threw him out of the car and into the snow before driving away. Cops recovered the stolen car not long after the robbery. Further investigation revealed Loftis as the suspect.

Officers arrested Loftis on Saturday at a home on the city’s east side. He was taken to the Cuyahoga County Jail on charges of attempted murder and aggravated battery.

“This was a senseless and violent crime carried out with complete disregard for human life,” Cleveland Police Chief Dorothy A. Todd said in a statement. “Because of the decisive and relentless work of our officers and detectives, this dangerous individual is now off our streets. Our thoughts are with the victim as she recovers from this traumatic event. We are grateful that she is in stable condition and that the child who was with her was not physically harmed.”

Loftis went before a judge on Monday morning where he received a $500,000 bond. His next court date is set for Jan. 13.