Atlanta police rescue 2-year-old after carjacking caught on camera

Newly released police video shows the dramatic rescue of a 2-year-old girl after she was taken during a carjacking in Atlanta.

(NBC)- Newly released police video shows the dramatic rescue of a 2-year-old girl after she was taken during a carjacking in Atlanta.

According to police, the child’s mother had stepped away briefly to deliver an Instacart order Thursday when someone stole her SUV with her daughter still strapped into the back seat.

In a frantic 911 call, the mother told the dispatcher her vehicle had been stolen with her 2-year-old daughter inside.

Atlanta police used license plate reader technology to track the SUV, locating it in less than 15 minutes.

Body camera video shows officers surrounding the vehicle with guns drawn before taking 21-year-old Saleem Martin into custody.

Police said Martin now faces six charges, including kidnapping and cruelty to children.

Body camera footage also captured the emotional moments after officers rescued the crying toddler, comforting her until she was safely reunited with her mother.

Authorities say the quick response by officers helped bring a parent’s worst nightmare to a safe ending.