Paterson police officers are being hailed as heroes for saving a 5-year-old child who was inside of a running vehicle when it was stolen by a 17-year-old.

Paterson Public Safety Director Jerry Speziale says that officers responded to a restaurant located at 378 Union Avenue Monday around 9 p.m. for reports of a stolen 2010 Nissan Altima with a child inside.

Speziale says that Lt. L. Pacelli found the car parked behind Public School No. 5, but the driver fled the area when the lieutenant approached. The teen eventually crashed into a parked Dodge Caravan in front of 15 White Street, and then crashed into Lt. Pacelli’s police cruiser.

The teen ran away, but Lt. Pacelli was able to capture and arrest him after a short pursuit and brief struggle, according to Speziale.

Speziale says that other officers checked the stolen car for the child, who was located unharmed. The child was taken to St. Joseph’s Hospital just to be checked out.

The teen is now facing several charges related to the incident.