An auto theft suspect in Chula Vista who discovered a baby in the back seat of the car he stole had bail set at $100,000.
Steve Luna, 25, of Chula Vista, pleaded not guilty Feb. 17 to auto theft, possession of a stolen vehicle, and being under the influence of methamphetamine.
Luna was not charged with any offense involving taking the 18-month-old boy, who was returned to his mother without injury in the Feb. 10 incident.
Chula Vista Police said the mother called them at 11:36 p.m. saying someone had stolen her 2009 black Nissan Maxima from the Days Inn parking lot of 699 E St. She and a friend had pulled up to the hotel and were checking in when someone stole the car and her baby.
About 30 minutes later, National City Police officers discovered the baby in the stolen car in the 500 block of K Avenue. The baby was still secured in his car seat.
Luna himself called police to report the baby in the back seat. They arrested him Feb. 12.
Luna has a preliminary hearing set for Tuesday, March 1, in Chula Vista Superior Court, though it might be postponed.
