LAPD and DCFS Request the Public’s Help to Identify Found Child 

December 30, 2025 – Los Angeles, CA – Los Angeles Police Department officials report that detectives from the Northeast Division, along with the Department of Children and Family Services (DFCS), are asking the public for help identifying a found child.

On December 28, 2025, around 9:57 a.m., LAPD Northeast officers responded to a call of an attempted grand theft investigation in the 300 block of North Avenue 52, in the Highland Park area. The victim reported that an unidentified, Hispanic male had tried to steal his vehicle and fled on foot.

The victim then observed that an approximately 2-year-old child and a dog were left behind in the victim’s vehicle. Officers searched the area for the suspect, who fled on foot, but did not locate him. DCFS social workers responded and took custody of the child, who has yet to be identified.

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 child is male, with a medium complexion and curly brown hair, and was wearing a light gray quarter-zip sweater.

The dog appeared familiar with the child and was placed in the care of Los Angeles County Animal Services.

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 Detective II Ryan Lamar via email at 39284@lapd.online, or the DCFS Hotline at 1-800-540-4000. During non-business hours or on weekends, calls should be directed to 1-877-LAPD-24-7 (1-877-527-3247). Anyone wishing to remain anonymous should call the LARegional Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-TIPS (800-222-8477) or go directly to www.lacrimestoppers.org. Lastly, tipsters may also download the “P3 Tips” mobile application and select the LA Regional Crime Stoppers as their local program.

Source & photos: Los Angeles Police Department