Shocking CCTV footage has emerged of a father allegedly abandoning his five-year-old son on a street in Mexico City before driving off, sparking a police investigation. The incident occurred in the Cuchilla de Padierna district, around 15 miles south of the capital's centre, shortly after 9.15pm on Monday.
Neighbours reported hearing the child cry out “Dad, don’t leave me” as the man ordered the boy out of a silver car and drove away. The visibly upset child attempted to run after the vehicle, prompting witnesses to alert authorities.
When police confronted the alleged father, he claimed the whole thing was “just a prank” and that he was joking with his child. However, his details and those of the child were taken as part of a formal investigation by the Public Ministry.
Officers later tracked down the man's car and found the boy safe inside. It remains unclear where and when the pair reunited. Authorities in Mexico City are exploring the case as potential child endangerment and psychological mistreatment, given the distress shown by the child.
Eyewitnesses described the scene as “alarming” and expressed “rage” at seeing the small child running helplessly in the middle of the street. The boy, who cannot be named due to his age, is now being monitored by child protection services as officials assess whether it is safe for him to remain in his father's care.
