An 18-month-old boy reported missing in West Covina and allegedly abducted by his estranged aunt was found safe, authorities said Saturday.
The toddler was found in Los Angeles Saturday after law enforcement received numerous tips, West Covina Police Department Sgt. R. Hawkins told City News Service.
Los Angeles Police Department officers found the child with “another individual,” Hawkins said. He did not know the relationship between that person and the aunt, 26-year-old Amber Alexis Destiny Zarate.
The search for Zarate continued and she faces kidnapping charges when she is taken into custody, he said.
Officers from the West Covina Police Department were called at 5:50 p.m. Friday to a residence regarding a reported kidnapping. They subsequently learned the toddler — Isaiah Sunel Nava — was taken from the residence by his estranged aunt, Sgt. Steve Spagon said.
Investigators said they obtained surveillance video showing Zarate in the area at the time of the abduction. Zarate is on parole, a known drug user, reportedly has violent tendencies and has outstanding warrants for her arrest, according to police.
Zarate was also described as homeless, and police said she frequents the Los Angeles area. She was last seen wearing a black top, white pants and carrying a black backpack.
Anyone with information about the case was asked to call the WCPD at 626-939-8500. Anonymous callers may contact Los Angeles Regional Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-8477 (TIPS) or info@lacrimestoppers.org.