Woman's car stolen at west Charlotte gas station with 3-year-old son inside

CHARLOTTE, N.C. — A Charlotte mother said a thief stole her minivan Wednesday afternoon with her 3-year-old son inside.

Albertina Ramos is relieved knowing her child is safe. She said a man jumped into her van at the Exxon on Glenwood Drive near Interstate 85.

With the help of her daughter as a translator, Ramos explained to Channel 9 what happened.

"When she was pumping gas, her friend was beside her and taking care, so she left the keys in the car,” Ramos said through her translator.

Ramos said her son was asleep in the car when she went into the gas station to pay. When she came out, she said a man was in her car.

"When she went outside, the man was already inside the car and when he saw her, he left quickly and she started running after the car,” Ramos said.

After an urgent call to 911, officers quickly found the boy wandering by himself along a nearby street.

"She didn't care about the car, but she cared about her son,” Ramos said.

Eventually, officers found Ramos' car and returned it, but the thief took off with the keys.

"Grateful to God that the police did a magnificent job in getting her son back and finding him,” Ramos said.

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