The LAPD says a 2-year-old boy and a dog were discovered alone in a car after an attempted auto theft in Highland Park on Dec. 28. The suspected thief fled on foot and was not located; the child was placed in the care of the Department of Children and Family Services. Police describe the boy as male, about 2 years old, with a medium complexion and curly brown hair, wearing a light gray quarter-zip sweater. Authorities say the dog appeared familiar with the child and are asking the public to help identify the child or his family.
2-Year-Old Boy and Dog Found Alone in Car After Attempted Auto Theft in Los Angeles — Police Seek Family
LAPD (2)Unidentified child and dog
The Los Angeles Police Department is asking for the public's help after a 2-year-old boy and a dog were found alone inside a vehicle following an attempted auto theft in the Highland Park neighborhood on Dec. 28.
Officers responded to a report of an attempted vehicle theft on Sunday, Dec. 28. The vehicle owner told investigators he saw an unidentified man trying to steal his car before the suspect fled on foot. When the owner looked inside the car after the suspect ran off, he discovered a small child and a dog, the LAPD said.
Police were unable to locate the suspect at the scene. The child — described as a 2-year-old male with a medium complexion and curly brown hair, wearing a light gray quarter-zip sweater — was taken into the custody of the Department of Children and Family Services (DCFS).
"Efforts to identify the child through all available means have been unsuccessful, and no custodial parent or family member has contacted the police to locate the child," the LAPD said.
Authorities noted the dog, now in the care of Los Angeles County Animal Services, appeared to be familiar with the child. Police did not say whether they believe the child is related to the unidentified suspect who fled the scene.
How You Can Help
Anyone with information that could help identify the child or his family is asked to contact the LAPD Northeast Division Watch Commander at 323-561-3211 or email Detective Ryan Lamar at 39284@lapd.online. Members of the public may also call the Department of Children and Family Services hotline at 1-800-540-4000.
The LAPD urges anyone with relevant information to come forward so the child can be reunited with his family as quickly and safely as possible.
Original reporting: People
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