An urgent search is underway in Barstow, for two-year-old Xavier Padilla, who was swept away by floodwaters on Thursday evening. According to Xavier's family, the incident occurred around 6:30 p.m. along Main Street while Xavier was in a car with his father. The father attempted to get Xavier to safety, but the strong current pulled the toddler into the river. Rescuers managed to save the father, who was taken to the hospital and later released.
Xavier's aunt, Leanna, stated that the official search was suspended until daylight on Friday, but volunteers continue to search for the boy. She urged local residents to assist, saying, "If you guys can, if you live in the area, if you have bright lights... anything that can help us look through the dirt, the mud - anything to help us look for him and find him, we greatly appreciate it."
Xavier was last seen wearing black pants, a black shirt, and black and white Nike shoes. He is described as being about 46 inches tall, weighing around 28 pounds, with light brown curly hair. Xavier has autism and is nonverbal. Anyone who has information or can assist in the search is encouraged to help as the community rallies to find Xavier.