MINNEAPOLIS (WCCO) — Police say an 11-year-old boy convinced a car thief to let him and his four young brothers out of their minivan after it was stolen in Minneapolis Sunday afternoon.
The children’s parents “stepped away from their running vehicle,” according to police, on East Lake Street near 12th Avenue South, leaving five boys between the ages of 1 and 11 alone inside.
READ MORE: Former Vikings CB Jeff Gladney Dies At 25: ‘Life Lost Much Too Soon’
It’s not clear how long the parents were gone, but just before 3 p.m., an unknown man got into the driver’s seat and drove off with the boys in tow.
READ MORE: Next Weather Alert: Tornado Watch Issued In Southwestern Minn.
Police say the oldest boy was able to persuade the thief to let them out, and the man dropped them off one block north of where they were originally parked. He then drove off.
The oldest boy then used his cellphone to call his parents, and they were all soon reunited.
The minivan is still missing. It’s a 2007 Silver Honda Odyssey that may have either of these Minnesota license plate numbers: XNB-858 or MWY-024.
MORE NEWS: Man Accused Of Causing Double-Fatality Crash, Fleeing
Anyone with information on this case is asked to submit an anonymous tip online to Crime Stoppers, or call 1-800-222-TIPS (8477).