A Boy and a Dog Were Found Alone in a Car After an Attempted Theft — and Cops Don’t Know Who They Belong To By Liam Quinn

The Los Angeles Police Department is trying to identify a 2-year-old boy left behind following an attempted car theft.

According to the department, officers responded to a report of an attempted theft in the Highland Park area of Los Angeles on Sunday, Dec. 28.

The victim told police that he saw an unidentified man trying to steal his car before fleeing on foot. But when the victim looked in the car, he found a child and a dog, per the LAPD.

Police officers were unable to locate the suspect, and the child was taken into the care of the Department of Children and Family Services.

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

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Police added that the dog, which is in the custody of Los Angeles County Animal Services, appeared to be familiar with the child. They did not specify if they believe that the child is related to the unidentified suspect.

Anyone with information that could lead to the identification of the child or his family is asked to call the LAPD Northeast Division Watch Commander at 323-561-3211 or email Det. Ryan Lamar at [email protected].

People can also the Department of Children and Family Service’s hotline at 1-800-540-4000.