Car Theft Incident in Cocoa, Florida

Last Tuesday, an unusual incident occurred in Cocoa, Florida, where a man reportedly stole a car from a gas station, despite the fact that a one-year-old child was seated in the back. Remarkably, he returned the vehicle just moments later and expressed remorse to the child’s mother, according to police reports.

William Mullis, aged 53, was caught on surveillance footage approaching the victim’s car outside a Sunoco station located along Route 1. It was noted in an arrest affidavit that he drove off but soon returned, parking back in front of the gas station.

The child’s mother quickly emerged from the store and confronted Mullis. She mentioned in her statement to investigators that he likely wouldn’t have taken the car had he been aware of the toddler’s presence.

After apologizing to the mother, Mullis left the area on foot, as reported.

“This scenario could be a parent’s worst nightmare,” remarked Todd Goodyear, Public Information Officer for the Brevard County Sheriff’s Office. “Fortunately, this man recognized the child was in the vehicle, felt guilty, and chose to come back.”

Following the event, Goodyear highlighted the law stating that leaving a child under the age of six unattended in a vehicle for more than 15 minutes is illegal and poses risks to the child’s well-being. Thankfully, it seems the child was in the car for only a minimal amount of time. Currently, the mother has not faced any charges.

Goodyear, who has three children and four grandchildren himself, emphasized the difficulties of taking little ones out of the car for short errands. “It’s often a hassle,” he admitted. “Yet, incidents like this remind us that we need to remain vigilant; you never know who is watching.”

Mullis has been taken into custody and is facing serious charges, including Grand Theft of a Motor Vehicle and Kidnapping/Confinement of a Child Under 13. As of Tuesday morning, he was being held without bail at the Brevard County Jail, with a court date set for early November.