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Cops: Shoplifting mom left child behind

Philadelphia police are seeking an alleged shoplifter who left her child behind when she fled Macy's security in Center City.

Philadelphia police are seeking an alleged shoplifter who left her child behind when she fled Macy's security in Center City.

Police took the 3-year-old girl to the city's Department of Human Services. Officer Tanya Little, a police spokeswoman, said Friday that the girl is now in the care of other family members.

The mother, 27, was taken into custody by Macy's security around 6:10 p.m. Thursday, on allegations that she stole $1,400 worth of merchandise, police said Friday.

The woman and her daughter were taken to a room for the mother to be questioned and processed, police said.

Although she was handcuffed, the mother managed to free herself and flee from the room, leaving her daughter behind in the store at 13th and Market Streets, police said.

Little said police know the woman's identity, and are awaiting a warrant for her arrest. She would not disclose the woman's name because she has not yet been arrested.

The mother could face charges of retail theft and endangering the welfare of a child, Little said.

"The child is fine, the child is good, the child is with family," Little said.

shawj@phillynews.com

215-854-2592

@julieshawphilly