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The Jacksonville Sheriff’s Office reports a concerning incident where a man took off with a car outside a CVS, unaware that a baby was inside.
JACKSONVILLE, Fla. — Newly released body camera footage from the Jacksonville Sheriff’s Office offers a glimpse into the tense moments following the theft of both a vehicle and a child outside a CVS in Jacksonville.
Captured on January 8, 2026, the footage shows officers arriving at the scene near the intersection of Collins Road and Blanding Boulevard in the Duclay neighborhood. A visibly distraught woman can be seen, anxiously pleading for help.
According to the sheriff’s office, the woman had left her car running in the parking lot and stepped into the store for a brief period. During her absence, the vehicle was stolen.
Tragically, her 19-month-old baby, who was peacefully sleeping in the backseat, was taken along with the car.
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.
