A desperate search is underway across California for a newborn baby girl, violently snatched from her mother by a suspect posing as a healthcare worker in a brazen daytime kidnapping.
The terrifying ordeal began on Tuesday in the city of Westminster, Orange County, when a woman arrived at the mother's home for what was believed to be a scheduled medical appointment.
"The suspect showed up and basically implied she was there to provide medical care to the baby," Westminster Police Department Commander Alan Iwashita stated during a press conference.
A Violent Ambush
The situation turned from deceptive to violent in an instant. The suspect, described as a Hispanic woman in her 40s, assaulted the recovering mother and physically wrestled the infant from her arms.
"She was there for a period of time and ultimately assaulted the mother and took the baby," Commander Iwashita confirmed, detailing the traumatic struggle.
The Getaway and City-Wide Hunt
The abductor fled the scene in a vehicle described as a newer model, white Nissan Rogue SUV with a sunroof and blacked-out windows. The car had paper license plates, a detail police hope will aid in its identification.
An Amber Alert was swiftly issued for the child, identified as baby Jadeline Carlos, who was just three days old at the time of the kidnapping. The alert has been broadcast across the state, urging millions of Californians to be on the lookout.
Who is the Suspect?
Police have circulated a detailed description of the primary suspect:
- Gender: Female
- Ethnicity: Hispanic
- Age: 40-50 years old
- Height: Approximately 5ft 3in
- Build: Heavy-set
- Hair: Black, worn in a curly perm-style
- Clothing: Last seen wearing a blue medical-style mask, a black long-sleeved shirt, and leopard-print leggings
Authorities are treating this as an isolated but extremely dangerous incident. "We don't have any information to believe the suspect is related or known to the family," Iwashita said, heightening concerns about the baby's welfare.
A Plea to the Public
The Westminster Police Department is pleading with the public for assistance. Anyone with information, no matter how small, is urged to contact detectives immediately. The community is asked to remain vigilant and report any sightings of the described vehicle or suspect.
The entire state holds its breath, hoping for the safe return of baby Jadeline Carlos to her frantic family.
