Woman Discovers Runaway Inmate in Her Car: ‘I Saw Something Moving in My Back Seat’
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A startling discovery shook a North Carolina woman, Marie Steinburg of Edenton, as she was preparing to head to work one morning. Little did she know, an escaped inmate had sought refuge in her car. The incident unfolded at around 7:30 a.m. on Monday, Dec. 8, when Steinburg approached her vehicle, expecting to start her day as usual. To her surprise, she found herself face to face with an unexpected passenger lurking in the back seat. Recalling the unsettling moment, Steinburg shared with WAVY, “I clicked the unlock, and it must have scared the guy, because the next thing I know, I saw something moving in my back seat and I backed away because I thought, ‘Somebody is in my car.'”
The escapee turned stowaway was identified as 23-year-old Charles Babb, who had managed to break free from the Chowan County Detention Center in Edenton the previous evening. The daring escape reportedly involved Babb wielding a small handheld edged weapon to force his way out, plunging himself into the local community. Court records examined by PEOPLE disclosed that Babb faced charges related to his escape, in addition to allegations of breaking and entering, larceny, and possession of stolen property. “He kept saying, ‘I’m sorry, I’m sorry, I’m sorry. I’m so cold. I’m so cold.’ And, you know, I was startled and I know he was too,” Steinburg recounted her encounter with the unexpected intruder to WAVY.
Amidst the unexpected rendezvous, Steinburg exhibited remarkable composure, showing empathy towards the disoriented fugitive. She recounted offering Babb a jacket and even contemplating a trip to a nearby McDonald’s to accommodate his requests. Reflecting on her decision to extend kindness, Steinburg expressed, “I figured if I was nice to him, he’d be nice to me. I don’t know, I just figured that that was the thing to do because I didn’t know if he really was dangerous.” Demonstrating quick thinking, she ensured the safety of both herself and the escapee, urging Babb to leave the car before alerting her husband, former state senator Bob Steinberg, to contact the authorities.
Following the incident, law enforcement swiftly intervened, apprehending Babb and returning him to custody. The Chowan County Sheriff’s Office outlined plans for a thorough investigation to ascertain the circumstances surrounding the escape and implement measures to prevent similar incidents in the future. Acknowledging the dedication of deputies in the pursuit, the CCSO praised the collaborative efforts of the community in aiding the search efforts. As the details of the event continue to surface, it serves as a reminder of the unexpected twists that can punctuate our daily routines and the importance of maintaining vigilance and responsiveness in unforeseen circumstances.
The encounter between Steinburg and Babb underscores the unpredictable nature of life and the resilience displayed in the face of adversity. By showcasing compassion and level-headedness, Steinburg navigated a challenging situation with grace, ensuring a peaceful resolution to an otherwise alarming episode. As the community processes the aftermath of the escape, it stands as a testament to the fortitude and resourcefulness exhibited by individuals when confronted with unexpected challenges. The collaborative response from law enforcement and community members underlines the significance of unity and cooperation in upholding safety and security within the locality.