Crime & Safety

Amber Alert Toddler Found in Barn: UPDATED

Jacob Vargas, 2, was ABDUCTED in Monterey County Thursday at 6:45 a.m.

The California Highway Patrol reports that a kidnapped 2-year-old boy has been found in Monterey County Thursday afternoon, hours after he was abducted along with his father's car.

A 911 caller reported seeing the Honda in a barn on River Road south of Salinas, according to CHP spokesman Officer Oscar Loza. Monterey County sheriff's deputies responded to the scene, where the caller led them to the car and found the boy, Loza said. An ambulance crew was called to the scene to check on Jacob, Loza said. The boy suffers from asthma and was due to have medication at 4 p.m.

The car was abandoned and investigators haven't detained any suspects, Loza said.

Jacob Jesus Vargas was left in a car parked in the 100 block of Head Street around 7 a.m., Soledad police Chief Eric Sills told Bay City News. The boy's father left his son alone in the car that was warming up in their driveway, Sills said. When the man went back outside, he couldn't find his car or son and quickly notified police, according to a statement released by police.

Vargas, who is Hispanic, has brown hair and eyes. His height and weight have not been released. The boy was wearing a blue sweater over a white shirt with a yellow stripe and gray sleeves. He also had on blue jeans, with a beige beanie, according to the CHP.

Photo courtesy Soledad Police Department

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