A mother could face charges after her car was stolen Wednesday evening in downtown Toronto with her two young children inside.

Police found the four-door silver Acura soon afterward. They say it had been abandoned not far from where it was stolen in the Parliament Street and Dundas Street area just before 7 p.m.

Police said the six-year-old and 14-month-old children were OK.

Const. Allyson Douglas-Cook told CBC News the mother left them in the vehicle to go into a store, intending to come back quickly, but said a thief took advantage of the opportunity.

"The ignition was not on but the key was left in the ignition," Douglas-Cook said.

"The suspect must have realized that the kids were seated in the back of the vehicle, so we're currently looking for that person."

Douglas-Cook said police are interviewing the mother and an investigation is ongoing.

There's no word on possible charges against the mother, but Douglas-Cook said she could face a charge under Section 218 of the Criminal Code for leaving children under the age of 10 unattended.

"Those are things that are going to be considered. We're going to be looking at the background. We're going to be looking at all the facts surrounding the investigation ... possibly working with Children's Aid to determine whether there are going to be charges."

Updated: Veh located nearby. Suspect has fled. Children appear to be ok.^adc —@TPSOperations

Police are looking for a white male in his 40s with short hair and a goatee. They say he was wearing a black jacket and black pants and was last seen on Parliament Street.