Crime & Safety
South Bay Infant Abduction Suspect Remains At Large: Cops
Baby Tayana, 2, was found safe Thursday. Her mother, Crystal Mendez, has been identified as the suspect in her abduction, authorities said.
SAN JOSE, CA – Authorities are asking for the public’s help locating a woman sought in connection with the abduction of an infant who was found safe Thursday after going missing the previous day, San Jose police said.
The suspect has been identified as Crystal Mendez, the mother of 2-year-old Tayana.
⚠️⚠️ Child abduction ⚠️⚠️ We are currently working a parental kidnapping of a 2 year old. Suspect Crystal Mendez abducted her 2 year old daughter yesterday. We are asking for the public’s help in locating the suspect and baby Tayana. pic.twitter.com/elzEsUQ7Ru
— San José Police Media Relations (@SJPD_PIO) February 16, 2023
The infant had last been seen Wednesday afternoon at an Oakland BART station after Mendez took her from a San Jose residence, police said.
Find out what's happening in Campbellfor free with the latest updates from Patch.
Baby Tayana was found safe Thursday afternoon at an Oakland residence on 69th Avenue, police said.
Mendez is a heavy drug user with ties to San Francisco’s Tenderloin District, according to police.
Find out what's happening in Campbellfor free with the latest updates from Patch.
She is described as being 5-foot-1, weighing 150 pounds, with long brown hair and brown eyes, and has the name ‘Dante’ tattooed on her neck.
Mendez was last seen wearing a white hooded jacket, black skinny jeans with ripped knees and dark-colored sneakers.
Anyone who sees Mendez is urged to call 911, police said.
Get more local news delivered straight to your inbox. Sign up for free Patch newsletters and alerts.
