AMBER ALERT: 2 boys abducted, Cathedral City. In car when suspect stole vehicle. White 2016 Honda Accord #7TJR654 (CA) If seen, CALL 911
Authorities launched an aggressive search for two adorable toddlers who were in a car that was stolen.
Within several hours, they found the boys. The children were located safe.
Sheriff’s officials in Cathedral City, California gave the brothers’ names as Jayden and Carlos Cortez.
They sought the public’s help in finding the boys.
Here’s what you need to know:
1. A Babysitter Was Watching the Boys When They Vanished
UPDATE: A recent picture released by Cathedral City police of the stolen car that had 2 boys in the backseat t.co/QnWGX6YPyL
The toddlers were in a car that belonged to their babysitter, according to The Associated Press.
The boys disappeared at about 6:44 p.m. on March 23. The car was later located, with the boys inside unharmed.
2. Police Released Detailed Descriptions of the Boys
Jayden Cortez was described as being 1, and Carlos Cortez was 2, according to the Amber Alert. Police said they were last seen in a white Honda Accord, California license plate 7TJR654.
Jayden, who is 1-foot-6 and 30 pounds, was last seen wearing a white shirt and blue shorts. Carlos is 2 feet and 40 pounds, police said.
3. The Car Was Stolen When the Babysitter Stepped Away to Run an Errand
The AP reported that the babysitter “stepped out for an errand and someone stole” the car.
CHP, CA: #AMBERALERT – CATHEDRAL CITY POLICE DEPARTMENT. SUSPECT VEHICLE 2016 WHITE HONDA ACCORD 7TJR654. CALL 911
Amber Alert
The toddlers were inside at the time, in the backseat.
4. Police Released No Information on the Toddlers’ Parents or a Suspect but the Boys’ Father Has Shared Information on the Situation on Facebook
Information released on March 23 was sparse. Police did not release information on a suspect, including any description.
The names of the boys’ mother and father were also not released. However, the father, also named Carlos Cortez, has posted a string of posts on Facebook about the missing toddlers, including, “My boys are in the car if anyone sees anything plz let me know or the police.”
Friends and family posted prayers and well wishes on his wall.
5. Cathedral City Is Near Palm Springs, California
CBS Los Angeles reported that the boys were taken from the 31500 block of Whispering Palms in Cathedral City.
That’s a community located about seven miles from Palm Springs, California.