Two Men Accused of Attempting to Purchase Toddler for $100

Two men allegedly approached a woman and her two year old son at a Covina, California market multiple times Wednesday night, persistent in their attempts to purchase the woman’s child, ultimately throwing $100 at the woman as she escaped the men in the market’s parking lot.

Covina Police described one of the suspects as a male Hispanic, approximately 45 years of age, 5’ 8”, 200 lbs., wearing blue jeans and a brown button-down shirt who allegedly approached the mother in the checkout line making complimentary statements toward the mother and child. The man then proposed the purchase of the young boy, which the mother refused.

After waiting inside the store for the suspect to leave, the woman ventured out to her car with her son. Upon reaching her vehicle, the woman discovered the suspect had parked next to the woman’s vehicle in a brown/champagne colored Honda Pilot. He allegedly feigned surprise, saying to the woman, “Oh look, it’s you! It’s both of you. You’re so beautiful.” It was then that she noticed a second suspect in the passenger seat of the Pilot. He is described as being a black male in his 50’s, approximately 6’ 0”, 215 lbs., and wearing tan slacks with a long-sleeved white shirt.

The first suspect then exited his vehicle, again allegedly requesting, “Can I buy your son?” and attempting to give the woman a $100 bill. Paralyzed with fear, the woman failed to respond. The man then said, “Go ahead and take it. Just take it.” The second suspect followed up with, “Just take the money.” The first suspect continued, “Just keep it, here,” then dropped the $100.00 in the mother’s shopping cart and drove away with suspect two.

Mother and son subsequently arrived at the Covina Police Department to report the incident. Surveillance video of the two men entering the store has been released, and run on local NBC-4, in an attempt to identify and locate the attempted baby traffickers.

Authorities request anyone with information regarding the crime to contact the Covina Police Department Detective Bureau (626) 384-5612, the Watch Commander (626) 384-5665 or Crime Stoppers (800) 222-TIPS(8477). Refer to Covina PD case # 15-120.

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