Woman Accused Of Stealing Car With Two Children Inside, Leading Police On Chase

A woman in New Mexico is accused of stealing a car with two children inside and then leading officers on a chase, according to a report.

Last week, police in Hobbs, New Mexico, announced the arrest of Regina Castillo and she was charged with a host of counts, including unlawful taking of a motor vehicle and two counts of child abuse.

Police responded to a store for a report of a stolen vehicle.

A woman had parked her vehicle in front and went inside, police said. When she returned, another woman pushed her out of the way and got in the car. The victim tried to stop the suspect but couldn’t.

The suspect fled with the Hyundai Santa Fe and inside were a 6-year-old girl and an 11-month-old son.

Officers spotted the vehicle and a short chase ensued, police said. The pursuit ended when the suspect — later identified as Castillo — stopped and ran away. She was soon found hiding behind a pickup truck.

The 6-year-old was left at an intersection before the chase started and the infant was found in the car. Both children were returned to their mother.

Police learned that Castillo had active warrants for failure to appear. She also has a lengthy criminal history, including charges of battery against a household member.