DeKalb Police say the child was found in the minivan in which she was abducted, and appears to be unharmed.
The child was reportedly abducted at about 9:30 a.m. today from the parking lot of New Birth Missionary Baptist Church.
According to preliminary reports, caregiver Rhonda Rivers left the 2010 dark gray Dodge Caravan unattended with the key in the ignition and the child inside in the parking lot outside the Samson’s Fitness Center at New Birth, 6400 Woodrow Road in Lithonia.
When Rivers returned, the minivan and the child were gone. She is facing reckless conduct charges.
Passerby Melba Williams said she saw the child in the minivan crying.
"The window was down and she was screaming," Williams said. "I told her I wouldn't leave her until her mother came."
Charity Gibson said she was at work when she got the call that her toddler was missing.
"Its truly a blessing that we found her," a grateful Gibson said. "Many times it doesn't turn out this good."
Police spokeswoman Mekka Parish said it was there was a high likeihood that the individual who stole the car did not know the child was in it.
The van was ransacked when it was found.
New Birth spokesman Art Franklin said the church provided surveillance video to police.










