Child Found Alone Inside Encinitas Store Reunited With Parents

Update:

ENCINITAS, CA – A preschooler found wandering by himself Thursday in an Encinitas art supply business was reunited with his parents more than six hours later.

Employees at the Michaels store in the 300 block of North El Camino Real spotted the child, identified only as Connor and believed to be about 4 years old, walking around alone in the business at about noon, according to the San Diego County Sheriff's Department.

The workers made announcements over a public address system in the store and searched surrounding parking lots and shops, to no avail. They then made a 911 call, and deputies took over the effort, canvassing the area and making loudspeaker announcements from a patrol helicopter.

The parents were eventually located and reunited with the boy about 6:40 p.m.

"An investigation is ongoing. However, Connor's parents are not considered suspects," according to a sheriff's department statement.

No details were released about how the boy ended up alone in the store or when and where his parents were located.

– By City News Service

ENCINITAS, CA – Authorities are seeking the public's help in identifying a child who was found Thursday wandering inside the Michaels store in Encinitas.

Store employees called deputies around noon after finding the boy alone in the store on North El Camino Real, according to the San Diego County Sheriff's Department.

Despite making announcements over the store's public address system, as well as searching the parking lot and surrounding businesses, employees did not find the child's parents. The Sheriff's ASTREA helicopter also supported the search in the surrounding neighborhoods.

The boy told deputies his name is "Connor." He is believed to be between 3 and 4 years old and appears to be in good health, according to officials. He is wearing a gray long-sleeved shirt, gray shorts and Navy blue shoes.

The child was taken into protective custody and has been released to the care of Child Welfare Services at the
Polinsky Children's Center.

Anyone who recognizes the child or knows the identity of his parents, is asked to contact the San Diego County Sheriff's Department at 858-565-5200.

Photo via San Diego County Sheriff's Department