Los Angeles police are turning to the public for assistance in identifying a young boy found inside a vehicle, along with a dog, after an attempted car theft in the Highland Park neighborhood this past Sunday morning.
Officers from the Los Angeles Police Department’s Northeast Division were dispatched shortly before 10 a.m. on Dec. 28 to the 300 block of North Avenue 52 after a resident reported an attempted grand theft of his vehicle. The victim told police that an unidentified man tried to steal the car and then fled on foot.
To the owner’s surprise, responders discovered an approximately 2-year-old boy and a dog inside the vehicle. The suspect remained at large after a police search of the area.
The young child has since been medically cleared and placed in the custody of the Los Angeles County Department of Children and Family Services (DCFS). Despite efforts by authorities to identify him, no family members have come forward, and investigators say attempts to determine the boy’s identity have been unsuccessful.
Police describe the boy as having a medium complexion with curly brown hair, and he was last seen wearing a light gray quarter-zip sweater. The dog, which officers say appeared familiar and comfortable with the child, was placed into the care of Los Angeles County Animal Services.
In a statement, LAPD Lt. Kevin Austin emphasized the priority of locating the child’s family and ensuring his well-being, especially with the New Year approaching. Authorities are urging anyone with information on the child, his family, or the identity of the suspected car thief to come forward.
Those with tips are encouraged to contact the LAPD Northeast Division Watch Commander at (323) 561-3211, Detective Ryan Lamar via email, or the DCFS Hotline at (800) 540-4000. Anonymous tips can also be submitted through Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-TIPS.
This unusual case has drawn attention across local law enforcement and community networks as authorities work to reunite the child with his family and identify the individual responsible for the attempted theft.
*If you have any firsthand information, please reach out to authorities immediately.*
