LAPD seeks help identifying young boy found in car with dog after attempted theft

HIGHLAND PARK, LOS ANGELES (KABC) -- Los Angeles police are seeking the public's help in identifying a young child who was left behind, along with a dog, following an attempted car theft.

It all unfolded Sunday morning after a victim reported that a man tried to steal his car on North Avenue 52 in Highland Park, according to the Los Angeles Police Department.

The suspect ran away, but to the car owner's surprise, an approximately 2-year-old boy and a dog were there inside his car. Officers searched the area for the suspect but could not find him.

The young boy was medically cleared and is in the custody of the Department of Children and Family Services. Authorities say efforts to identify the child have been unsuccessful, and nobody has contacted police looking for him.

"Our biggest interest right now is finding his family, finding out anything about him that we need to know, including dietary needs, medical history," said Lt. Kevin Austin.

Austin added that boy is not able to communicate his name.

"We'd like to get him home with family or relatives for the new year."

He was wearing a light gray quarter-zip sweater and has curly brown hair.

The dog, who police say appeared to be family with the boy, was placed in the care of Los Angeles County Animal Services.

Anyone with information is urged to contact police at (323) 561-3211 or the DCFS Hotline at (800) 540-4000.