DAYTON, Ohio (AP): Police in southwest Ohio say a sport utility vehicle with six children inside was stolen from a market parking lot, and they were found safe minutes later after the thief apparently left the vehicle parked near an apartment complex.

Dayton police tell WHIO-TV the adult who left the youngsters unattended in a running vehicle Tuesday night could be charged with child endangerment. The children are between 18 months and 10 years old.

Shortly after the SUV was found, officers spotted a stolen vehicle matching the description of one connected to the earlier theft, and a pursuit began. Police used spiked sticks to deflate the tires and stop the car.

A male and female arrested after the chase were being questioned as persons of interest in the SUV theft.