Suspect steals vehicle with 2 children inside, leads North Las Vegas police on pursuit

UPDATE: The North Las Vegas Police Department on Tuesday identified the suspect as Mario Anthony Estrada, 38.

According to the department, Estrada faces the following charges:

-2 counts of child abuse or neglect, (1st)

-2 counts of kidnapping, 2nd degree

-grand larceny of motor veh-reckless driving disregard pers/prop safety, (1st)

-driver disobey peace off, endang other pers/prop

-duty to stop at scene of acdnt i/dopi

-drivers license suspended

-fail wear safety belt/shoulder harness

Original story continues below.

LAS VEGAS, Nev. (FOX5) - North Las Vegas police say a suspect is in custody after allegedly stealing a vehicle with two “very young children” inside and then leading police on a pursuit that ended near the I-15 and Charleston Boulevard.

It happened just before 8:30 Monday night near Cheyenne Avenue and Decatur Boulevard.

Police told FOX5 the children’s mother chased the vehicle on foot.

Police say the suspect eventually pulled over and let the kids out somewhere on Decatur, then left the area.

An officer saw the vehicle getting onto the I-15 and pursued it until the suspect crashed near I-15 and Charleston. The driver in the vehicle that was hit by the suspect is at a local hospital suffering from minor injuries police say.

The suspect fled on foot, but police caught up and took the suspect into custody.

The mother and her two children were found safe.

The investigation is ongoing. Stay with FOX5 for updates on this story.

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