Eight teenagers and two adults were arrested while seven vehicles were recovered as part of an investigation into a SUV's alleged theft in north Queensland.
Offenders are accused of entering the SUV - a black Isuzu MU-X - that was parked outside a Townsville residence and driving off about 1.44pm on Monday.
The mother was reportedly cleaning the car with the baby asleep inside when the alleged theft occurred.
"My soul left my body. It was the most terrifying thing that has probably ever happened in my life,'' the mother, who identified herself as Sarah for privacy reasons, told Seven Network.
Minutes later the stolen SUV stopped further down the street.
"The offenders have placed the baby in the car seat on the footpath before fleeing again," police said.
The child was assessed by paramedics as a precaution but no one was injured during the incident.
A police helicopter helped officers locate the vehicle at a car park about 9.45pm next to a white Ford Ranger that had allegedly been stolen the previous day.
"Upon police arrival the Ford was engulfed in flames," which were extinguished a short time later, police said.
A tyre-deflation strategy was launched after a number of stolen vehicles were seen driving around Townsville on Monday night, police said
It resulted in another five stolen motor vehicles being disabled and 10 people being charged on 19 offences unrelated to the SUV theft.
Police said investigations remain ongoing to confirm links to the stolen SUV.
Five boys and three girls have been charged, aged from 14 to 17.
An 18-year-old man and 21-year-old woman have also been arrested.
They are set to appear in a Townsville court this week.
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