Missing 7-year-old boy found safe after father taken into custody in Hawthorne

Missing child found safe, father arrested

King Darius Lozada has been found safe and reunited with his family, according to authorities.

SANTA MONICA, Calif. - A 7-year-old boy who was reported missing in Santa Monica has been found safe after police say his father was taken into custody early Thursday morning in Hawthorne.

Authorities say King Darius Lozada is unharmed and is now in the process of being reunited with family members.

What we know:

The Santa Monica Police Department had been searching for 7-year-old King Darius Lozada after investigators said he was last seen Tuesday evening with his father, 55-year-old Darius Clay Jackson, who authorities believed may have been experiencing a mental health crisis.

Police said the child and his father were last seen Tuesday at approximately 6:50 p.m. near Arizona Avenue and Berkeley Street in Santa Monica.

According to investigators, "King was last seen traveling northbound in an alley near Arizona Avenue and Berkeley Street." Authorities said the pair may have been on foot or riding a black electric scooter.

Police later confirmed Thursday morning that Jackson had been taken into custody in Hawthorne and that the child had been safely located.

Investigators say King was unharmed and is being reunited with family.

Authorities also confirmed the child and his mother live in Santa Monica.

What we don't know:

Investigators have not publicly released details about the father’s reported mental health struggles or what specifically led officers to believe he may be in crisis.

Police also have not said whether Jackson has any criminal history or prior contacts with law enforcement.