Toddler Abducted in Los Angeles County: Police

WEST COVINA, CA — Authorities are searching for an 18-month-old boy who police believe was taken from his home by his estranged aunt.

On Friday, West Covina police responded to a residence shortly before 6 p.m. after receiving a call about a kidnapping. When police arrived, they learned the toddler — identified as Isaiah Sunel Nava — was taken from the residence by his aunt.

Isaiah was last seen wearing a diaper, police said.

The estranged aunt was identified as 26-year-old Amber Alexis Destiny Zarate. Investigators obtained surveillance video showing Zarate in the area at the time of the abduction.

Police said Zarate is on parole, a known drug user, has violent tendencies and has outstanding warrants for her arrest. Zarate is homeless and frequents the Los Angeles area. Police said she was last seen wearing a black top, white pants and carrying a black backpack.

The whereabouts of Zarate and Isaiah remain unknown. Detectives, patrol personnel and allied law enforcement agencies are actively working to locate the child.

Anyone who sees Zarate or the child is urged to call 911 immediately. Anyone with information about this case is encouraged to contact the West Covina Police Department at 626-939-8500. To remain anonymous, contact the Los Angeles Regional Crime Stoppers by telephone at 1-800-222-8477 (TIPS) or by email at info@lacrimestoppers.org.