Man charged with kidnapping in theft of car with child inside

Prosecutors charged a 24-year-old homeless man who allegedly kidnapped a 3-year-old boy in Pearl City when he allegedly stole a car with a child inside.

Police arrested Erick Butner Monday on suspicion of kidnapping, second-degree theft, unauthorized control of a propelled vehicle and unauthorized entry into a motor vehicle.

Butner allegedly entered the vehicle of a 23-year-old man, whose 3-year-old son was in the vehicle. He drove off at about 11:05 a.m. Monday, not knowing the boy was in the vehicle.

When he realized the boy was inside, he parked the car less than a block away and fled on foot.

A passerby held him until police arrived and arrested him.

Butner was charged with all the above offenses Tuesday. His bail was set at $30,000.