Paulsboro man charged with kidnapping after stealing SUV with kids in the back, police say

A Paulsboro man has been charged with kidnapping and car theft after stealing an SUV in Magnolia on Saturday night with two children inside.

Magnolia Police said a mother left two young children in the backseat as she made a stop at Columbo Liquors on White Horse Pike in Magnolila around 11:30 p.m., and left the SUV idling. Christopher Dumas entered the vehicle and drove away only to hit another SUV and overturn on Hampshire Street in Audubon, police said. Authorities added that there was no pursuit of the SUV.

The suspect, children and driver of the other SUV were all hospitalized and released on Sunday. The children were released to the custody of their mother who has not been identified by police.

Dumas was charged with two counts each of kidnapping and endangering a child plus theft of a motor vehicle. He is being held at the Camden County Jail. Charges are also pending from Audubon Police.