Father Stops Attempted Kidnapping Of Child In North County

VISTA, CA – A man suspected of trying to kidnap a child from a home in Vista before being stopped by the toddler's father remains at-large Tuesday morning.

The father spotted a man carrying his 2-year-old out of his home in the 1300 block of Barbara Drive about 10:40 p.m. Monday and confronted him, according to Sgt. A. W. Moses of the San Diego County Sheriff's Department.

The suspect ran away leaving the child behind. He was last seen jumping a fence of a nearby yard, Moses said. Deputies set up a perimeter and searched the area, but the suspect was not found.

The suspect was described as roughly 6 feet tall and 180 pounds. He was wearing a black sweater, black hat and white shoes, which were possibly Converse, Moses said.

No additional suspect description or information was immediately available. The incident remains under investigation.

Anyone with information about the attempted kidnapping was asked to call the Sheriff's Department at 858-565-5200 or San Diego County Crime Stoppers at 888-580-8477. Tipsters can remain anonymous and may be eligible for a reward of up to $1,000.