SAN FRANCISCO—The San Francisco Police Department arrested Erlin Obani Romero, 25, of San Francisco, for stealing a vehicle with two small children inside on February 6.
On the 2100 block of Jackson Street in Pacific Heights, Jeffery Fang was working as a DoorDash driver when he exited his silver Honda Odyssey minivan, leaving his two children inside to make a delivery.
NBC Bay Area News interviewed Fang who stated, “I went in, it took about a minute, and when I came out a strange man was in my car in the driver’s seat. I approached him and opened my car and yelled and shouted at him.”
“I yelled at him and told him to get out and that two of my kids are in the car,” Fang continued.
As he pursued the man, he spotted a second man jump into his car and the two individuals drove off with the children inside.
Authorities issued an Amber Alert for Winnifred Fang, 4, and Sean Fang, 1. Four hours later, the SFPD announced on Twitter on February 7:
“The children and vehicle have been FOUND in the city’s Bayview District. The children will be medically evaluated and reunited with their parents. Suspects are still outstanding – no suspect info at this time. THANK YOU everyone for your assistance.”
David Lazar, the Deputy Chief of the San Francisco Police Investigations Bureau tweeted:
“Children have been located and are safe! Medical attention summoned just as a precaution.”
The San Francisco Police Department indicated they arrested Romero on February 9, at 11:20 a.m. on Crisp Road, close to Palou Avenue.
He was placed under arrest and booked on two counts of kidnapping, auto theft, robbery, conspiracy, battery, and a probation violation, the SFPD reported. The second suspect is still at large.
Anyone with information on the second suspect or the incident is asked to call the SFPD’s 24-hour-tip line at 1-415-575-4444 or Text a Tip to TIP411 and start the message with “SFPD.” All tipsters will remain anonymous.
