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Man Held Without Bail After Allegedly Stealing SUV With Child Inside

The focus in court Monday was primarily on Jonathan Leighton's mental health and whether or not he recognized the seriousness of his alleged crimes

A Massachusetts man is being held without bail after police say he stole a car with a child in the backseat in Lynn last week.

Jonathan Leighton, 30, of Lynn, was arrested Friday. Authorities say he was driving a car that had been reported stolen earlier in the day when he broke down. A man stopped to try to help him, and Leighton allegedly hopped in that man's car and drove off.

The man's 1-year-old child was in the backseat at the time.

Police say Leighton crashed into parked cars and an unmarked cruiser that had also stopped to help after the car broke down. He drove a short distance, then police say he bailed from the SUV and fled on foot. Officers stopped him and put him in custody.

Charges against Leighton include two counts of assault with a dangerous weapon, leaving the scene of an accident, carjacking, resisting arrest and receiving stolen property.

In court Monday, the focus was primarily on Leighton's mental health and whether or not he recognized the seriousness of his alleged crimes.

A judge ordered Leighton to be held without bail and undergo an evaluation at Bridgewater State Hospital to determine whether he is mentally fit to stand trial.

He is due back in court in January.

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