In a deeply concerning incident that played out in the Highland Park neighborhood, a toddler and a dog were discovered in a vehicle after an attempted car theft, prompting the Los Angeles Police Department and the Department of Children and Family Services to seek the public's help. The case took a turn when the child's 19-year-old mother, Bianca Slaughter, was arrested on an unrelated kidnapping charge involving gang activity, as per details shared by FOX 11.
According to NBC Los Angeles, the young boy is now in protective custody, and the dog is being cared for by LA County Animal Services. The child was initially found by a car owner who was perplexed to find his vehicle, which a man attempted to steal, left with an unexpected passenger and a pet inside. "I confronted him and asked what he was doing in my car, and he said a dog was trying to attack him," told the anonymous car owner to FOX 11.
Police were initially at a loss to identify the child or the dog. They have since been successful, thanks to community involvement, but continue their search for the man, who still remains at large, in the company of Slaughter. Authorities will pursue charges connected to child abandonment and/or child endangerment for Slaughter, as reported by FOX 11.
Amid the ongoing investigations and charges being considered, the LAPD and the DCFS continue to appeal for any information regarding the dog's owner. "Anyone with information about the dog's owner is requested to contact the listed tip lines so the dog may be returned home," the LAPD stated, as mentioned by KTLA. The suspect's relationship to the mother and child has not been disclosed yet, and no suspect information has been released thus far.
For those with information that could help identify the child or his family, or provide any additional details about the attempted theft and the suspect, the LAPD Northeast Division Watch Commander can be reached at 323-561-3211, or Detective II Ryan Lamar can be contacted via email at [email protected]. The DCFS Hotline is available at 1-800-540-4000, stated Hoodline. During non-business hours or weekends, calls should be directed to 1-877-LAPD-24-7 (1-877-527-3247). Tipsters wishing to remain anonymous can reach out to the LA Regional Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-TIPS (8477) or visit lacrimestoppers.org.
