10-year-old boy jumps out of moving SUV to escape alleged carjacker

KENNER, La. (WVUE/Gray News) - A 10-year-old Louisiana boy is safe after police say he leapt out of his parent’s moving SUV during an alleged carjacking.

The incident started around 1:45 p.m. Monday when Kenner Police say 36-year-old Mackenzie Switzer pulled into the parking lot of a business in a Chevrolet Malibu reported stolen from New Orleans.

Police say Switzer abandoned the stolen Malibu and climbed into a Nissan Rogue that had been left running in the same parking lot. Switzer allegedly stole that vehicle, driving off with the victim’s 10-year-old son still inside.

Authorities say the boy "acted quickly and courageously, opening the door and jumping from the (moving) vehicle to safety.”

The boy was uninjured, and officers were able to track the stolen SUV using his cellphone, which was left behind inside.

The stolen Rogue was tracked to a car dealership in Metairie, where police say Switzer was found trying “to enter another vehicle belonging to the business and was taken into custody.”

Switzer was booked by Kenner Police with illegal possession of stolen things, carjacking, simple kidnapping and traffic violations. The department says he will face additional counts for the offenses committed in Metairie, brought by the Jefferson Parish Sheriff’s Office.

Kenner Police remind motorists never to leave a running vehicle unattended, especially with children inside.