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Mom Of 9-Month-Old Who Was Inside Stolen SUV Arrested

Authorities say the mother of a 9-month-old girl who was inside a vehicle when an acquaintance sped off in the SUV has been arrested and charged with child abuse.

Bernalillo County Sheriff's deputies say in court records that 23-year-old Karen Arviso was intoxicated and unable to provide information Monday afternoon to help authorities find her daughter when the vehicle went missing.

Authorities accused her of appearing unconcerned for the well-being of her daughter, who was found in the SUV after suspect Leighraughnzo Benally (loh-REN-zoh ben-NAL-lee) allegedly abandoned it.

Authorities say a detective had to break a window to get the child out of the vehicle.

Jail records indicate Benally was booked Tuesday morning on suspicion of child abuse, kidnapping and unlawful taking of a vehicle.

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