Toddler kidnapped at knifepoint north of Santa Clarita found safe

SLEEPY VALLEY, Calif. (KABC) -- A toddler playing outside was kidnapped at knifepoint by a stranger north of Santa Clarita on Monday.

The Los Angeles County Sheriff's Department said the 2-year-old girl was kidnapped from the 12700 block of Sierra Highway in Sleepy Valley at about 8:30 p.m.

Deputies said the girl was playing outside her home when relatives spotted a man taking her at knifepoint.

The girl's family called deputies who responded and found the man inside a mobile home with the child.

The suspect was taken into custody and the child returned to her family.

Sheriff's deputies later identified the suspect as Thomas Dillingham, 40, who had recently moved to the mobile home park. He did not know the girl or her family, who were visiting from out-of-state, officials said.

Deputies said the girl was taken to the hospital to be evaluated, but said the child showed no visible signs of trauma.