KNOX COUNTY — An attempted car theft in South Knox County took a surprising turn Monday after officers say the found the suspect's 2-year-old son left behind in the car.
The Knox County Sheriff's Office responded to a report of a car burglary Monday morning. Officers said the suspect ran after the owner confronted him.
Officers said the suspect, 25-year-old Bradley Lee from Knoxville, left behind something extremely important, though: His son.
Officers eventually took the father into custody when he returned to check on his son.
According to KCSO, Lee told them that his pick-up truck had run out of gas off Maryville Pike and Rudder Road shortly before 6 a.m.
Deputies said Lee broke into a car parked in a driveway off Walmar Drive and removed the ignition switch to hot wire it. The owner started yelling and Lee ran, leaving his child behind asleep in the backseat of the car.
Lee eventually returned to check on his son and he was taken into custody.
Officers said the truck Lee had been driving was reported stolen out of Florida and they found a gun inside.
KCSO said Lee is a convicted felon and is charged with auto burglary, vandalism, attempted theft and unlawful possession of a handgun. Other charges are pending and his bond was set at $13,000.
The Department of Children's Services is investigating as well.