Michael R. Enochs, 54, of Archdale, North Carolina, faces felony charges for kidnapping and larceny of a motor vehicle.
Investigators said Enochs jumped in an unlocked and running vehicle around 10:30 p.m. Sunday.
Legend Masir Goodwine, 1, was inside that car. His mother had recently left the car to go buy something in a nearby business.
Deputies found the car and the child uninjured in Davidson County on Monday morning.