Ottawa police are asking for the public's help identifying the driver of a car after reports a young child fell out of the vehicle while it was moving.
The incident happened at about 7:45 a.m. on Jan. 15, when police say a vehicle pulled out of a mini-mall (at 1220 St. Laurent Boulevard), the rear driver's-side door opened and a child fell out onto the road.
Police say the driver of the vehicle drove off but a witness quickly picked up the child from the road and two women soon came to help.
They say the driver returned to the scene a few minutes later and took the child from the witness, saying he was the child's father.
The vehicle was seen driving off (on Queen Mary St. towards the Vanier Parkway) and is described as a black or dark-coloured, older model four-door Volkswagen — possibly a Jetta.
The windows were not tinted as the witness reported seeing an infant car seat in the rear passenger compartment of the vehicle.
The driver of the vehicle is described as a black man in his mid to late 30s, about five feet 10 inches tall with a medium build and very short curly hair. He spoke French, English and another language.
The child is described as black and approximately two years old. He was wearing a hooded lime green and purple coat.
The Ottawa Police Sexual Assault and Child Abuse Section is looking to speak to the driver as well as any witnesses.
This content appears as provided to The Globe by the originating wire service. It has not been edited by Globe staff.