City of Industry, California – A frightening situation unfolded in Los Angeles County on Sunday after a 1-year-old baby was allegedly abducted by his father at knifepoint, sparking a statewide Amber Alert. The dramatic case ended later that night when authorities located the child safely more than 500 miles away in Arizona.
Amber Alert Issued After Abduction in City of Industry
According to the Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department (LASD), the incident began around 12 p.m. on Sept. 7, 2025, when 20-year-old Dragan Antonesco allegedly confronted the child’s mother near Colima Road in the City of Industry.
Authorities say Antonesco held the mother at knifepoint, while two accomplices — identified as Viorel Ilie, 48, and Mariora Ilie, 40 — allegedly assaulted her and forcibly took baby Enzo Antonescu, age 1.
The suspects reportedly fled the scene in a black 2011 Toyota Sienna, prompting officials to issue an Amber Alert across Southern California.
Description of the Suspects and Vehicle
The California Highway Patrol (CHP) released detailed descriptions of the suspects to the public during the Amber Alert.
- Dragan Antonesco: 5 feet 9 inches tall, weighing about 160 pounds, with black hair and brown eyes. At the time of the abduction, he was last seen wearing a black shirt and black pants.
- Baby Enzo Antonescu: Approximately 22 pounds, with short brown hair and green eyes.
- Vehicle: A black 2011 Toyota Sienna was believed to be the suspects’ getaway car.
Photos of the two alleged accomplices, Viorel and Mariora Ilie, were also released by law enforcement.
Baby Found Safe in Arizona
Hours after the alert went out, investigators tracked the suspects across state lines. The Amber Alert was deactivated on Sunday night after Arizona police located the baby. Officials confirmed that at least one person was arrested during the recovery operation, though details on whether all three suspects are in custody have not yet been released.
The safe recovery of the child brought relief to law enforcement officers and the public, who had anxiously awaited updates throughout the day.
The Role of Amber Alerts in Rescue Operations
The quick resolution of this case underscores the effectiveness of the Amber Alert system, which sends emergency notifications to cell phones, highway signs, and media outlets across the region.
According to the National Center for Missing & Exploited Children, the Amber Alert system has been instrumental in rescuing hundreds of abducted children nationwide. Law enforcement officials credit the swift public awareness with pressuring suspects and expanding the search radius.
In this case, the alert spread across California and neighboring states, likely playing a critical role in locating baby Enzo in Arizona.
Ongoing Investigation
The Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department and Arizona authorities are continuing to investigate the circumstances surrounding the abduction. Charges could include kidnapping, assault with a deadly weapon, and child endangerment.
As of Monday, details remain unclear about the suspects’ motives or the exact sequence of events leading up to the kidnapping. The sheriff’s department has not confirmed whether the accomplices were relatives or close associates of Antonesco.
Officials emphasized that more updates will be shared as the case moves forward.
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Community Reaction
News of the Amber Alert spread quickly across Los Angeles County, with residents sharing the alert widely on social media. Many community members expressed relief that the baby was found safe so quickly.
However, the incident also raised concerns about domestic violence and family abductions, which account for a significant portion of child kidnappings nationwide. Experts note that such cases can escalate rapidly and often involve threats of violence against parents or guardians.
What’s Next
Authorities in both California and Arizona are now working together to coordinate charges and custody of the suspects. Meanwhile, baby Enzo has been reunited with his mother, who was reportedly shaken but unharmed after the assault.
Law enforcement urged the public to remain alert and continue reporting suspicious activity, stressing that community awareness is often key to solving cases like this.
What’s your take on this case? Do you think Amber Alerts are used effectively in situations like these? Share your thoughts in the comments at cheapnailsalonsnearme.com.