Avon police: Man robs Kohl's, leads police on chase with baby in car

AVON, Ohio - A man led Avon officers on a chase with a baby in the car after robbing a Kohl’s department store, police say.

It happened at about 3:33 p.m. Tuesday at the Kohl’s in the Avon Commons Shopping Center. Loss prevention officers reported to police dispatch that a man fled the store with stolen items and threw a baby into his car.

The 30-year-old man from Lorain drove erratically down Detroit Road while running stoplights, police said. Officers called off their pursuit when they learned a baby was in the car.

The suspect crashed into one car before hitting another that forced it to stop. Police said the baby was taken to an area hospital, but later transported to Rainbow Babies and Children’s Hospital.

The suspect was flown by medical helicopter to MetroHealth Medical Center and the driver of the other car was taken to St. John Westshore Hospital. Police said none of the injuries appear to be life threatening.

According to Avon police, the entire chase last less than one minute and the suspect only drove about one mile.

Charges of robbery, felony fleeing, driving under suspension, child endangering, operating under the influence, reckless operation, hit skip, seat belt violation and child restraint are pending against the man. The Avon Police Department released his name, but it is NewsChannel5 policy to not publish it until a suspect has been officially charged.

Police did not say what the suspect's relationship is to the child.

NewsChannel5 viewer Jack Kay sent in video from the scene. To send in photos or video of breaking news, email 5pix@wews.com or go to newsnet5.com/submit