Boy Accidentally Kidnapped From Lakewood Hotel By Repo Truck, Police Say

In a startling turn of events, a 13-year-old boy was unintentionally kidnapped in Lakewood, Colorado, when a tow truck driver repossessed the car he was sleeping in.

A Nap Leads to an Accidental Kidnapping

The incident occurred on Friday morning at the Baymont by Wyndham Hotel, located on W. Sixth Ave. The boy, who had been napping under blankets in the back seat, was unknowingly taken along with the vehicle.

The Lakewood Police Department was alerted to the situation at approximately 9:20 a.m. when the boy’s family reported both their car and son missing. John Romero, a spokesperson for the department, provided details of the incident, explaining that the boy’s family had been staying at the hotel and were in the process of packing their car and doing laundry before leaving for New York.

Car Repossession Leads to Scare

The tow truck driver, who was repossessing the vehicle, was completely unaware that the boy was inside. With the boy covered by blankets, the driver proceeded to take the car to a tow lot in Denver. Lakewood police, responding to the report of a stolen vehicle and kidnapping, quickly worked to track the car down. Within 20 minutes, they located the vehicle at the tow lot, where the driver revealed he had not seen the boy during the repossession. The boy was found safe and unharmed, much to the relief of his family, who were understandably shaken by the incident. Officers reunited the boy with his family shortly after locating the vehicle. Although the car remained in the possession of the tow lot, the primary concern had been the boy’s safety.

No Criminal Charges Filed

After investigating the circumstances, the Lakewood Police Department determined that the incident was an honest mistake. The tow truck driver, who had been conducting a routine repossession, did not know of the boy’s presence in the back seat. Given the lack of criminal intent and the accidental nature of the situation, the police decided not to pursue any charges against the driver. “This was an unfortunate and unintentional situation,” said Romero. “There was no ill intent, and it was simply an honest mistake.” He emphasized that the priority had been ensuring the boy’s safety, which was swiftly achieved.

The incident, while alarming for the family, ended without harm. It serves as a reminder of the unpredictable scenarios that can unfold, even during routine events like vehicle repossessions. The family, though shaken, was able to continue with their plans, grateful that their son was returned unharmed. Though no criminal charges will be filed, the incident has undoubtedly made an impression on all involved, particularly the tow truck driver, who was unaware of the drama unfolding in the backseat of the vehicle he had repossessed.