VISTA, Calif. (KGTV) - Authorities are searching for a man suspected of breaking into a Vista home and trying to kidnap a 2-year-old child.
The incident was reported at around 10:30 p.m. Monday in the 1300 block of Barbara Drive, according to San Diego County sheriff’s officials.
Maria Mejia told 10News she had just given her young daughter a bath and was getting ready for bed when she said her husband walked into their living room and saw an unknown man carrying their child in his arms.
Mejia’s husband confronted the stranger, and after putting the child down, the man fled. He jumped over a backyard fence as he got away, sheriff’s officials said.
The Mejias believe the stranger may have entered their home through a door that was closed, but unlocked, since the family had a small birthday party at the house earlier in the day.
Maria Mejia told 10News her daughter never cried during the ordeal and did not appear to know what was going on.
Responding deputies searched the area but could not locate the man.
The stranger was described as 6 feet tall and about 180 pounds. He was seen wearing a black sweater, black hat and white shoes that were possibly Converse.
Several neighbors said they turned over surveillance video to the sheriff’s department in hopes their cameras captured something.
Anyone with information on the incident is urged to contact the sheriff's department at 858-565-5200 or Crime Stoppers at 888-580-8477.
