PALM BAY, Florida -- Palm Bay police officers are searching for a 3-year-old buy who was taken by a
relative to an unknown location in what police say appears to be a burglary that
resulted in a battery following a parental custody dispute.
At approximately 7:30 p.m., police officers responded to the 600 block of Loffler Circle in Palm Bay, Florida after a woman called to report that she was babysitting a 3-year-old boy when the child's mother, and three others forced their way into her home and took the child.
According to
the victim's report to police, the home invaders knocked on the door
and asked to speak to the child's father who was not at the home at the time. They then allegedly
forced their way into the home and pushed the babysitter to the ground. The suspects subsequently took the child
and fled.
The babysitter said the suspects were driving a white Ford
Explorer with Florida Tag:
ANN T37
Statewide bulletins have been issued
and attempts by police to locate the child continue. Detectives and officers are
also attempting to clarify who has legal custody.
Anyone with
information is asked to contact the Central Florida Crimeline at
1-800-423-TIPS. Callers can remain anonymous and can be eligible for cash
rewards of up to $1000 in this case.