A thief made off with a car as two young boys sat in the back seat, Bridgeport police say.

Jovenky Alcive says he ran into a restaurant to pick up food Thursday night and left his two boys in the car. When he returned, the kids and the car were gone.

Police say the 10-year-old son jumped out of the vehicle as it was being driven away. A few blocks later, they say the suspect let out the 5-year-old, leaving him alone and scared. Both boys were found immediately and were safely brought back to their parents.

With the help of state police, officers later spotted the car, a red 2015 Nissan Altima, in Stratford and arrested the suspect.

Alcive says he was overjoyed to be reunited with his kids and thanked police for their response.

Police have not identified the suspect but describe him as a black male who was possibly under the influence.