Authorities were seeking help from the public Saturday in locating a woman who allegedly kidnapped an 18-month-old infant in West Covina.
Police responded around 5:50 p.m. Friday to a residence regarding a reported kidnapping and learned the male child Isaiah Sunel Nava was abducted from the residence by his estranged aunt, Amber Alexis Destiny Zarate, 26, according to West Covina Police Department Sgt. Steve Steve Spagon.
Investigators obtained surveillance video showing Zarate in the area at the time of the abduction. She is on parole, a known drug user, has violent tendencies and has outstanding warrants for her arrest, according to Spagon.
Zarate is homeless and frequents the Los Angeles area. She was last seen wearing a black top, white pants and carrying a black backpack, Spagon reported.
A physical description of Zarate was not immediately available.
The whereabouts of Zarate and the infant, who was last seen wearing a diaper, remain unknown, Spagon said. Detectives, patrol officers and other law enforcement agencies in the area are actively working to locate the child safely.
Authorities urged anyone who sees Zarate or the child to immediately call 911. Anyone with information about the kidnapping was asked to call the West Covina Police Department, 626-939-8500. Anonymous tipsters may contact Los Angeles Regional Crime Stoppers a 800-222-8477 or info@lacrimestoppers.org.
