Woman accused of stealing van...but when she realized what was inside, she turned around & returned it!

SALT LAKE CITY (WITI) -- A woman is accused of stealing a van in Salt Lake City on Sunday, June 29th -- but the suspect returned the van after she realized there was a CHILD inside!

According to FOX13 in Salt Lake City, police say it happened around 9:30 a.m. Sunday.

Isabella Ortega left her van running with her three-year-old daughter Maya inside, and then went to make sure her house was locked.

That's when police say a woman jumped inside the van, and drove off.

“I turn around and my car is running and I say, ‘my baby, my baby is in there,’” Ortega said.

Police say the woman accused of taking the van was apparently unaware the child was inside.

“Our suspect felt remorse, turned around, came back to the home where she stole the van, got out knocked on the front door and asked if she could wait inside for police, basically turning herself in," Salt Lake City Police Lt. Scott White said.

The child was uninjured.

FOX13 says the suspect is a 22-year-old woman. She is facing charges for stealing property and possession of drugs.

Police say the woman has been arrested for drug-related crimes in the past.

Police are saying this is a reminder that it is NEVER a good idea to leave a child in a car by themselves -- even in your own neighborhood.

CLICK HERE for more on this story via FOX13 in Salt Lake City.