Officials have not ruled out foul play in the disappearance of a 7-month-old baby after his mother said he was kidnapped outside a store in California.
According to a release from the San Bernardino County Sheriff's Department (SBCSD), on Aug. 14 before 8 p.m. local time, Rebecca Haro said her infant was kidnapped outside a retail store on Yucaipa Boulevard in Yucaipa, California, which is 10 miles east of San Bernardino.
She told police she was standing outside her car changing her son Emmanuel Haro's diaper when a man physically assaulted her and knocked her unconscious. When she regained consciousness, her son was gone.
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Police: Missing baby's mom's statements had 'inconsistencies'
Police said they interviewed multiple individuals, including both of Emmanuel's parents, Jake and Rebecca Haro.
"During those interviews, Rebecca was confronted with inconsistencies in her initial statement and declined to continue with the interview," SBCSD said in a release.
Investigators have not ruled out foul play in the infant's disappearance, according to the release.
In interviews with local TV stations outside the store in Yucaipa, Rebecca Haro appeared with a black eye which she said she got from the assault. She called on anyone with information to come forward.
"I took him out of the car seat and laid him on the chair. I had his diapers right here, and someone said, 'Hola.' I couldn’t even turn. I don’t remember nothing," Rebecca Haro told several news outlets, including KCAL, on Aug. 16.
The family was in the area for another child's football practice, Rebecca Haro said.
Emmanuel Haro was last seen wearing a black Nike onesie. He is about 24 inches tall, has brown hair, brown eyes and is cross-eyed, according to police.
Investigation for missing child underway
As of Aug. 17, investigators are still searching for the infant, SBCSD said in an update. K9 scent-tracking dogs were used in the area, police said.
"We appreciate the community's understanding as we work around the clock to locate the victim," SBCSD said Aug. 15.
Anyone with information should call Sheriff’s Dispatch at 909-387-3717.
Melina Khan is a national trending reporter for USA TODAY. She can be reached at [email protected].
This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: Baby Emmanuel Haro missing after mom reported kidnapping in Yucaipa
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