Police say a 9-year-old boy foiled an attempt to steal his family's car.



Malik Medford's mother, Stephanie Medford, left the engine running while she ran into a Charleston convenience store Wednesday night.

A criminal complaint says 32-year-old Jonathan Martin of Sissonville jumped into the car, and Malik grabbed the keys from the ignition.

The complaint says Martin punched the boy, who fell out of the car with the keys. Martin ran away and was caught a short time later.

Malik's brothers _ ages 3, 19 months and 4 months _ were in safety seats and were unharmed.

Martin was charged with grand larceny and four counts of kidnapping. He is being held in the South Central Regional Jail.

Stephanie Medford was not charged.

Information from: The Charleston Gazette, http://www.wvgazette.com

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