Child found safe in car seat of vehicle stolen from Fergus gas station

Police are looking for a male suspect and an accomplice after a vehicle with a child in the back seat was stolen from a gas station here on Christmas evening.

Wellington County OPP officers responded to a vehicle theft and possible kidnapping at the Esso station on St. David Street North in Fergus at about 7pm on Dec. 25. 

Police say a woman was in the store when someone stole her unlocked, running vehicle with her child still in it in a car seat.

A witness attempted to intervene but the suspect got away, heading north on Highway 6.

"Shortly thereafter, OPP located the grey Chevrolet Impala abandoned on Highway 6 near Sideroad 19," states an OPP press release.

"The child was still in the vehicle and unharmed. The suspect was not located."

Based on video surveillance police have described the suspect as a white man with a medium build, wearing a black coat over a grey jacket, as well as light-coloured pants, black (with white) running shoes, and a grey "beanie" style Puma toque. He attempted to conceal his face with a scarf that possibly has a skull print.

Police say the suspect was aided by an accomplice driving a white passenger vehicle similar to a Kia Soul. 

Anyone with information can contact the OPP at 1-888-310-1122 or Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-8477 or submit a tip at www.csgw.tips.

Police are reminding drivers to secure their cars and valuables, noting "the cost could be greater than you could ever imagine."