A terrifying mystery is unfolding in California after a seven-month-old baby was allegedly kidnapped when his mother was attacked outside a sporting goods store.
According to the San Bernardino County Sheriff’s Department, deputies rushed to Yucaipa Boulevard around 7:47 p.m. on Thursday, August 14, after receiving reports that baby Emmanuel Haro had vanished. His mother, Rebecca Haro, told investigators she was assaulted while changing her son’s diaper in her car and that he was taken during the attack.
“K9 scent-tracking dogs were deployed but the child was not located,” the Sheriff’s Department shared in an update on Friday. “No suspect information is available at this time. We are working around the clock to locate the victim.”
Rebecca described the harrowing moment to KTLA, appearing with a black eye as she recounted what happened. She said she had stopped at Big 5 Sporting Goods after her son’s football practice, and while changing Emmanuel’s diaper in the car, a stranger approached. “I was going to get the diaper and somebody said, ‘Hola,’ and I don’t remember anything since,” she explained. “I woke up here on the floor and I didn’t see Emmanuel.”
She frantically searched her car and then ran into the store before calling 911. Authorities have not issued an Amber Alert due to the lack of a suspect or vehicle description.
Emmanuel’s father, Jake Haro, said the family has no idea who could have targeted them. “We don’t have enemies,” he told reporters. “I can’t think of anyone who would want to hurt our child.”
As of Saturday, August 16, baby Emmanuel remains missing, and investigators are pleading with the public for help. Anyone with information is urged to contact Sheriff’s Dispatch at 909-387-3717.
