Los Angeles police are working to identify a 2-year-old boy who was discovered alone in a vehicle following an attempted car theft, after efforts to locate his family have so far been unsuccessful.
The incident took place in the Highland Park neighborhood of Los Angeles on Sunday, December 28. According to the Los Angeles Police Department, officers responded to a call reporting a suspected vehicle theft in the area.
The car’s owner told police that he saw an unknown man attempting to steal his vehicle. When the suspect noticed he had been spotted, he abandoned the car and ran away on foot. Officers searched the area but were unable to locate him.
After the suspect fled, the vehicle owner looked inside his car and made a startling discovery: a young child and a dog had been left behind inside the vehicle.
Police have not determined whether the toddler is related to the unidentified suspect. The child, described as a 2-year-old boy with a medium complexion and curly brown hair, was wearing a light gray quarter-zip sweater at the time he was found.
Despite extensive efforts by law enforcement to identify the child or locate his family, no parent or guardian has come forward. Authorities said all available methods to determine the boy’s identity have failed so far.
As a result, the child has been placed in the care of the Los Angeles County Department of Children and Family Services to ensure his safety and well-being.
The dog found with the child was taken into custody by Los Angeles County Animal Services. Police noted that the animal appeared to be familiar with the boy, suggesting the two may have been together for some time prior to the incident.
Investigators are now asking for the public’s help. Anyone with information that could help identify the child or locate his family is urged to contact the LAPD Northeast Division Watch Commander at 323-561-3211 or email Detective Ryan Lamar at 39284@lapd.online.
Tips can also be reported to the Department of Children and Family Services hotline at 1-800-540-4000.