Baby Abducted in Southern California: Father and Grandparents Face Felony Charges
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A harrowing kidnapping in Southern California prompted an Amber Alert and culminated in the safe recovery of an infant, with the child’s father and grandparents now facing potential felony charges. The Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department confirmed the suspects were taken into custody in Arizona and will be returned too California to face prosecution.
The incident unfolded Sunday morning in the parking lot of a Target store located in the 17700 block of Colima road in City of Industry. According to investigators, the suspects approached the child’s mother and her family members and initiated an assault while forcibly taking the baby.
Details of the Kidnapping and Arrest
Shortly before 11 a.m., Dragan antonescu, 20, allegedly produced a knife and threatened the victim and her family before fleeing the scene with the child in a gray Toyota Sienna minivan. The child’s mother sustained minor injuries during the assault and received medical attention at a local hospital via ambulance.
Fearing for the child’s safety, law enforcement officials immediately requested the issuance of an Amber Alert, seeking public assistance in locating the child and the suspects. Simultaneously, investigators contacted law enforcement agencies in neighboring Arizona.
“The Arizona Department of Public Safety located the vehicle in the city of Winslow, Arizona, where Antonescu and his parents were arrested,” the Sheriff’s Department stated. The suspects have been identified as Viorel Illie, 48, and Marioara Illie, 40, the father and mother of Dragan Antonescu, respectively.
Child’s Safe Return and Pending Charges
The unharmed child was rescued by Arizona authorities and placed into protective custody. The Los angeles County Department of Children and Family Services is coordinating the child’s return to California.
The Sheriff’s Department indicated the case will be presented to the Los Angeles County district Attorney’s office for review. Prosecutors are considering multiple criminal charges against the three suspects, including kidnapping and assault with a deadly weapon.
The timing of the suspects’ extradition back to Los Angeles County has not yet been announced. This case underscores the swift response capabilities of law enforcement agencies and the critical role of public awareness in ensuring the safety of vulnerable individuals.
Why did this happen? The kidnapping unfolded after a confrontation in a Target parking lot in City of Industry, California. Dragan Antonescu, 20, allegedly assaulted the child’s mother and forcibly took the baby. The motive remains under examination.Who was involved? the primary individuals involved are Dragan Antonescu, the alleged kidnapper; his parents, Viorel Illie, 48, and Marioara Illie, 40, who are also suspects; the child’s mother, who sustained minor injuries; and law enforcement agencies in both California and Arizona.What occurred? A child was abducted at gunpoint from a Target parking lot. An Amber Alert was issued, and the suspects were apprehended in Winslow, Arizona, with the child safely recovered.
How did it end? The incident concluded with the safe rescue of the child by Arizona authorities. The suspects-Dragan Antonescu and his parents, Viorel and Marioara Illie-were arrested in Arizona and are awaiting extradition to Los angeles County to face charges of
