Phoenix man accused of stealing car with 3 kids inside

PHOENIX (AP) - A man who allegedly stole a car and threatened to take the owner into the desert and kill him is in custody after leading police on a chase through central Phoenix.

Authorities say 26-year-old Lucas Wieweck is being held on suspicion of armed robbery, unlawful flight from law enforcement, endangerment and child-abuse allegations.

Phoenix police say officers also found three children ranging from 2 to 4 years old inside the car along with a woman believed to be the kids’ mother.

The vehicle’s owner called police to say Wieweck and the two other people beat him and stole his car keys near before he was able to escape.

It was unclear Monday if Wieweck has an attorney yet for his case.