9-year-old girl taken along with stolen vehicle in McKenzie Lake, then left in Sundance

A nine-year-old girl is safe after she was taken on Monday night in her father's vehicle, which was later abandoned by the suspect.

Police say it was a crime of opportunity.

The little girl was left by herself inside with the lights still on and the keys in the ignition after a woman stole the vehicle from Mckenzie Lake and then ditched it in Sundance.

Police were initially called to McKenzie Lake just before 9 p.m. on Monday.

A red 2004 Saturn Vue was left running in a driveway with the young girl inside while her father briefly entered the home.

That's when an unknown woman jumped inside the vehicle and drove away.

Police found the vehicle in the area of Sun Harbour Road and Sundance Link.

Investigators say the suspect had already fled the scene with someone she knew in another vehicle.

Police are issuing a warning to all drivers to never leave a running vehicle unattended with the keys inside.

The suspect remained at large Tuesday evening.

Anyone with relevant surveillance video from McKenzie Lake or Sundance is asked to call police at 403-266-1234 or Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-8477.