PASADENA (CNS) - A 3-year-old girl found unattended early today in Pasadena was placed in protective custody, and an investigation was underway to determine whether it's safe to return her to her parents, police said.
The girl was found about 1:45 a.m. near Yolo Street and Wilson Avenue, which is about 400 yards from her home, said Pasadena police Lt. Jesse Carrillo.
“A citizen located (the girl) ... adjacent to his parked vehicle,'' Carrillo said in a statement. “The citizen called the police and waited with the child until police arrived.''
The toddler was “wearing pajamas, holding a bottle, and wearing no shoes,'' according to the lieutenant. “The child appeared well cared for and healthy.''
Officers took the child to the police station and contacted the Los Angeles County Department of Children and Family Services, he said.
Investigators then began looking for the parents, and about 8:45 a.m., police “received a call from the child's mother who said her child was missing,'' Carrillo said. “After an investigation (is) conducted by the Pasadena Police Department and the Los Angeles County Department of Children and Family Services, the child is expected to be reunited with her family,'' Carrillo said.
The preliminary investigation “has not revealed any evidence of child endangerment or neglect,'' Carrillo said.
“The Pasadena Police Department is grateful a passerby took action right away after noticing the young child in the street very early in the morning -- otherwise, the outcome could have been harmful,'' he said.
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