Authorities investigate possible kidnapping of boy in Palmdale

Los Angeles County sheriff's detectives have released a composite sketch of a boy who they said may have been kidnapped Tuesday in Palmdale, along with a sketch of a man police described as a person of interest in the case.

According to a Sheriff’s Department statement, two children reported that a Latino boy they believed to be between 10 and 13 years old was walking, possibly to school, near 26th Street East and Avenue S about 8 a.m. when he was grabbed by two Latinos in their mid-30s.

The witnesses said the men were in a tan compact pickup with tinted windows, two rear cargo doors and a rear sliding window, officials said. They said the boy wore a black shirt and was carrying a black backpack.

Sheriff’s investigators spent the day working with area schools and following other possible leads to determine whether the kidnapping actually occurred, authorities said. In addition, volunteers joined deputies from the sheriff’s Antelope Valley Search & Rescue team as they went door-to-door canvassing the neighborhood for clues, officials said. They also followed up on any students who matched the description given of the boy and who did not attend school Tuesday.

But the identity of the possible kidnap victim remains a mystery. No missing children fitting the description of the boy were reported in the Palmdale area Tuesday, authorities said. The identity of the two alleged kidnappers also remains unknown.

Authorities are seeking the public's assistance in identifying the possible victim. Anyone with information is urged to contact the Palmdale Sheriff's Station at (661) 272-2400. Tips may also be provided anonymously to L.A. Crime Stoppers at (800) 222-8477.

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-- Ann M. Simmons in Santa Clarita

Photo: Top: Composite sketch of possible kidnap victim. Bottom: Composite sketch of person of interest in possible kidnapping. Credit: Los Angeles County Sheriff's Department.