Regina man charged after allegedly stealing van with children inside

A Regina man is facing charges after allegedly stealing a van while two children were inside it.

According to police, officers were called to Victoria Avenue at around 10 a.m. Friday. The victim told police she left her van running with her children — ages three and 14 — still sitting inside when a man jumped into the driver’s seat.

The children were able to get out of the car before the man could drive away, police said.

While officers were headed to the scene, they spotted the van and gave chase. The driver pulled into an alley east of Toronto Street where he ditched the van and tried to get away on foot, police said. The officers caught up with him after a short foot chase, and he was arrested.

The 34-year-old man is now facing charges of motor vehicle theft and possession of property obtained by crime, police said.