A man receiving treatment at Hillel Yaffe Medical Center in Hadera fled the emergency department and stole a car from the hospital grounds with a baby inside, Israel Police stated on Monday.
Security alerted police, who arrived quickly, arrested the suspect, and returned the infant to the family unharmed.
The parents had parked near the hospital to collect an item and left the engine running with their baby in the back seat, N12 reported. When they returned moments later, the vehicle and child were gone.
Hospital officials said the suspect, described as a patient having a psychotic episode, took the vehicle without realizing a baby was inside. Security personnel “closed in and responded immediately and professionally,” the hospital said.
Officers from Hadera station detained the suspect at the scene and transferred him for questioning, police said.
The baby was returned to the parents safe and unharmed
The baby was examined and returned to the parents in good condition. Investigators will assess whether to seek an extension of the suspect’s remand.
“Officers responded within minutes, detained the suspect for questioning, and returned the infant to the family safe and sound,” police said in a statement.
Hillel Yaffe Medical Center said its security team “made contact at once, stopped the individual, and notified police,” adding that authorities are reviewing all details.