Police: Thieves flee capture with baby

ALPHARETTA, Ga. - Alpharetta Police are searching for a shoplifting crew that put a baby in danger while fleeing capture, and also used the infant as a possible "cover" during their crimes.

Police released surveillance video to FOX 5 News of a group of alleged shoplifting thieves carrying a baby at North Point Mall and then as the individuals are approached by a loss prevention officer, the thieves sprint at full speed.

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"He could have tripped, and his body weight could have landed on top of the infant," said Officer George Gordon. "Absolutely, it's child endangerment," he said.

Detectives believe the crew has hit at least five malls in the Metro within the past six months, to include The Mall at Stonecrest, Lenox Square, Cumberland Mall and Gwinnett Place Mall.

Investigators believe the individuals are after designer clothing that could be easily sold in places like the Internet. The baby is possibly brought along to distract store employees from the shoplifting activity, police said.

Anyone with any information is asked to call Alpharetta Police or their anonymous tip line at (678) 297-6307.