A terrifying incident that began with a child’s abduction in the City of Industry had a safe resolution Sunday night when the 1-year-old was discovered unharmed more than seven hours later in Arizona.
Details of the Abduction
According to the California Highway Patrol, an Amber Alert was issued after the boy was reportedly taken from his mother at knife point outside a Target store in the City of Industry around noon on Sunday. The suspects were identified as the child’s 20-year-old father, Dragan Antonescu, along with his parents—Viorel Ilie (48) and Marioara Ilie (40)—who allegedly assaulted the mother before fleeing with the child.ABC7 Los AngelesMyNewsLA.com
Law enforcement warned that the suspects were driving a dark gray 2011 Toyota Sienna minivan with license plate 9SLF463, and emphasized the group should be considered armed and dangerous.Victor Valley News
Recovery in Arizona
A breakthrough came shortly before 9 p.m., when a trooper in Winslow, Arizona recognized the stolen vehicle and pulled it over. The child was found safe and unharmed inside, prompting the immediate deactivation of the Amber Alert. At least one suspect—the identity has not yet been disclosed—was taken into custody, while the others remain at large.NBC Los AngelesABC7 Los AngelesMyNewsLA.com
Community Impact and Police Response
The child’s safe recovery brought immense relief to a community on edge. Neighbors and onlookers expressed shock at the violent nature of the abduction, especially given that prior incidents like this are highly uncommon in the area.
Authorities are now working swiftly to locate the remaining suspects and determine whether the knife was recovered. The Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department and CHP are coordinating efforts and urge anyone with relevant information to come forward.
Key Information Summary
| Aspect | Details |
|---|---|
| Where it happened | Target parking lot, City of Industry, LA County |
| Timing | Around noon on Sunday, Amber Alert deactivated just before 9 p.m. |
| Victim | 1-year-old boy |
| Suspects | Father (20), grandparents (48, 40) |
| Method | Knifepoint abduction, mother assaulted |
| Vehicle | 2011 dark gray Toyota Sienna, plate 9SLF463 |
| Child Found | Winslow, Arizona by trooper |
| Arrests | At least one suspect in custody; others still sought |
Why It Matters
The quick resolution of this alarming abduction highlights the effectiveness of Amber Alert protocols and cross-jurisdiction coordination—spanning from southern California to central Arizona—in reuniting a vulnerable child safely with loved ones. It also serves as a reminder that family members can sometimes be perpetrators in domestic abduction cases, broadening public awareness of warning signs.
