BURLINGTON, N.C. — Burlington police are searching for a man they said stole a car from a gas station with young children in the backseat.
Additionally, officers believe there are multiple suspects involved.
It happened late Christmas night at the Sheetz on Alamance Road.
Police said the father went inside the store to pick up food and then saw the suspect get in his car and drive away. His two young children, ages 1 and 3, were in the backseat. Police said the father chased after the car but wasn't able to catch it.
Officers said the man hit a mailbox and lost control of the car.
Police found the car abandoned about a mile away from the gas station. They said both children were found unharmed and were reunited with their father.
Officers believe that the person of interest could have lived in the area where the car was found.
Police are sharing surveillance photos of a person of interest, who is possibly connected to the carjacking, hoping the public can help identify him. The man was last seen wearing a dark-colored hoodie and striped toboggan.
Officers said before the incident, the man was seen in a Silver Hyundai that investigators believe was involved as well.
The investigation is ongoing.
If you have any information on the incident, call Burlington police at 336-229-3500.
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