Police remind parents to be vigilant after SUV stolen outside daycare

Saskatoon police hope an SUV that was stolen this week sends a message to parents to not leave vehicles running.

“We often don’t think about safety aspects as top of mind,” police spokesperson Julie Clark said in reference to an incident Monday afternoon outside a daycare in the Dundonald area.

“It’s more about time management and getting to the locations we need to get there on a tight schedule, especially with children.”

In a media release, Saskatoon police said a man stole an SUV in the 3300 block of 37th Street that was left running with a child inside.

A woman who lives on the street told 650 CKOM that the SUV belonged to woman who was picking up a child from daycare.

The nine-year-old boy inside the SUV jumped out of the moving vehicle unharmed after recognizing what was happening, according to police who praised the boy’s quick thinking.

“The boy was very educated,” Clark said. “He knew exactly what to do and be vigilant.”

Clark said the incident is a reminder about how what’s seemingly innocent can quickly take a bad turn.

“This suspect saw a crime of opportunity is what it was,” Clark said. “They saw the unlocked vehicle running, keys in. An easy steal is probably what they thought.”

The suspect, 50-year-old Christopher Murray, is scheduled to appear in court Thursday on multiple charges.