Car With Toddler Inside Stolen In East County

SPRING VALLEY, CA — Deputies were searching for a man who stole a car and kidnapped a toddler in San Diego's East County, authorities said.

A man reported his car was stolen with his 2-year-old daughter inside shortly before 6 p.m. Monday in the 500 block of Sweetwater Road in Spring Valley, according to the San Diego County Sheriff's Department.

"As deputies were responding to the area, the car was located at the intersection of Jamacha Road and Sweetwater Road," Sgt. Brenan Lane said. "The toddler was found unharmed in her car seat and was reunited with her parents."

The suspect fled the scene on foot. Deputies were unable to find the man after an "exhaustive search of the area," Lane said.

Witnesses described the suspect as a Black man with a bald head, Lane said. He was wearing a white shirt.

The case was being investigated as an auto theft and kidnapping, Lane said.

Anyone with information about the case was asked to contact San Diego County Crime Stoppers at 888-580-8477. Tipsters can remain anonymous. A reward of up to $1,000 was offered for information that leads to an arrest.