Search underway for 18-month-old baby allegedly kidnapped by aunt in West Covina
Amber Alexis Destiny Zarate / Photo courtesy West Covina Police Department
WEST COVINA, Calif. - A search is underway in West Covina for an 18-month-old boy who was abducted Friday night, according to police.
Authorities have identified the suspect as the child’s estranged aunt, who is currently on parole and considered dangerous.
What we know:
Officers responded to a kidnapping report at a West Covina home just before 6 p.m. on Friday.
Investigators determined that the infant, Isaiah Sunel Nava, was allegedly taken by 26-year-old Amber Alexis Destiny Zarate.
According to police, Zarate is a known drug user with "violent tendencies" and has multiple outstanding warrants for her arrest.
Surveillance video confirmed Zarate was in the immediate area at the time of the abduction.
She was last seen wearing a black top and white pants while carrying a black backpack.
What we don't know:
The current whereabouts of both Zarate and the child remain unknown.
While Zarate is known to frequent the Los Angeles area, police have not identified a specific vehicle or a particular neighborhood where she might be hiding.
What you can do:
If you see Amber Alexis Destiny Zarate or Isaiah Sunel Nava, call 911 immediately.
Anyone with information regarding the kidnapping is urged to contact the West Covina Police Department at 626-939-8500.
For those wishing to remain anonymous, tips can be submitted to Los Angeles Regional Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-8477 or via email at info@lacrimestoppers.org.
The Source: This report is based on information from the West Covina Police Department.