CELINA, Ohio -- A Mercer County Grand Jury indictment has been returned against a Rockford man in connection with the theft of a motor vehicle and the abduction of a toddler that was in the car at the time.

The incident occurred on Sunday, Dec. 7, 2008.

Amanda Prichard of Celina, walked inside Docksider’s Marathon to pay for her gas purchase, while he son was still strapped in his child safety seat in the back seat of the car. The keys were in the ignition when the suspect jumped into the car that was sitting by the gas pumps and took off.

Officers from all Mercer County law enforcement agencies immediately assisted in searching for the vehicle and missing 3-year-old child. Celina Police officers found the vehicle 48 minutes later, with the child, Blayne Aller, still sitting in the child safety seat. It had been abandoned in an alley behind Celina Municipal Utilities Department. He was not harmed.

The ensuing investigation revealed that the suspect had exited the car, taking the mother’s purse, and fled north through the Landmark properties and private yards to the area of Wayne & Mackinaw. Along the way, he disposed of his outer clothing and the purse and continued north to a friend’s home.

Travis L. Potter, 21, of Rockford, has been indicted on one count of kidnapping, one count of theft of a motor vehicle, and three counts of theft.

Potter is currently being held in the Mercer County jail and will be scheduled to appear in Mercer County Common Pleas Court.