Surveillance cameras caught the tense moments when a 7-year-old Michigan girl fled her mother’s minivan as a carjacker stole it and took off.

The mother was reportedly inside a Valero gas station in Detroit Tuesday afternoon when the theft occurred. Iad Muhammed told WBBH that he was working inside the store when he saw the mother run out and hop into another customer’s car in an attempt to chase down the suspect.

Muhammad said he believed the mother thought her daughter was still inside the stolen gold 2004 Pontiac Montana.

However, video from the gas station shows the little girl jumping out of the minivan mere seconds before it takes off. Muhammad said the girl entered the store and he gave her something to eat and drink. Fortunately, she was unharmed in the carjacking, according to WXYZ.

“She was crying so much and it was so bad. You know I couldn’t believe it. You know you called the police and your mom will be back and I’ll take care of you,” Muhammad told WBBH.

WBBH reported that the mother and relatives returned to the store a short time later and discovered that the girl wasn’t in the minivan but safe in the store.

The suspect remains on the run. Police described him as being as a black male, 6-feet 2-inches tall, between 30-35, and weighing 240 pounds. He was reportedly wearing ripped jeans, tan work boots, sunglasses, and had a bright yellow shirt draped over his shoulder.

Anyone with information regarding Tuesday’s carjacking can call the Commercial Auto Theft Unit at 313-596-2555 or Crime Stoppers at 800-SPEAK-UP.

[Featured Image: WBBH video screengrab]