Toddler found safe, suspect arrested after reported abduction during Van Nuys home invasion

VAN NUYS, LOS ANGELES (KABC) -- A man was arrested Wednesday in connection with a home invasion case in Van Nuys in which a 3-year-old boy was reportedly abducted, authorities said.

The incident happened around 8:13 a.m. on Van Nuys Boulevard. The toddler was eventually found safe.

The Los Angeles Police Department said it may have stemmed from a custody dispute between the suspect and victim.

The suspect, described only as an adult man, fled the scene in a black Chevrolet Equinox rental with Oregon license plates. Police said he possibly had a firearm in his waistband.

According to the California Highway Patrol, officers were alerted to a vehicle that had "obtained a possible kidnapped juvenile" along the 5 Freeway in Fresno County.

By the time CHP officers were placed in position, the driver had made his way into Merced County, the agency said.

Officers located the vehicle around 12:30 p.m. on the northbound 5 Freeway just north of Shields Avenue. It was equipped with OnStar technology, which the CHP said made it possible for the vehicle to be disabled electronically.

The man, who was not identified, was taken into custody and the boy was found safe, police said. They were both en route back to Los Angeles Wednesday afternoon.

The incident remains under investigation.