8-year-old allegedly abducted by mother in LA found, woman detained
Authorities Wednesday found an 8-year-old girl allegedly abducted in Los Angeles by her mother, and detectives detained a woman whom they declined to identify.
Aleigha Stevenson was allegedly abducted by Kera Stevenson and three male suspects shortly before 2 a.m. from her home in the 2800 block of West 42nd Street, according to the Los Angeles Police Department, which reported that Kera has no custodial rights to the girl.
Officers went to the home on a radio call of a “domestic violence restraining order” and discovered that Aleigha’s father and his ex-wife, Kera, have an ongoing child custody dispute, with a restraining order on file, the LAPD said.
The father said Kera showed up at his residence with three male Black suspects, according to the LAPD.
He allowed Kera inside to see her daughter, at which time, one of the suspects pushed his way into the residence, and they forcibly removed the child and fled, the LAPD said.
The police statement reports that they left the scene in two vehicles – – a 2004 dark-colored Chevrolet Suburban, California license plate 8UIB679, and a black 2017 BMW 320, with Oklahoma plate EGU358.
About 9 a.m., Fox11 reported that the Suburban had been found in San Bernardino County.
And about an hour afterward, the LAPD said the girl had been found and a woman they declined to identify had been detained. According to a broadcast report, the girl and the woman were found in Santa Ana.
It was not known if any of the male suspects had been arrested.
Anyone with information was urged to contact Southwest Area Detectives at 213-485-9801. During non-business hours or on weekends, calls should be directed to 1-877-LAPD-24-7 (877-527-3247).
Anyone wishing to remain anonymous should call Crime Stoppers at 800- 222-TIPS (800-222-8477). Tipsters may also contact Crime Stoppers by texting to phone number 274637 (C-R-I-M-E-S on most Keypads) with a cell phone. All text messages should begin with the letters “LAPD.” Tipsters may also go to LAPDOnline.org, click on “webtips” and follow the prompts.