Yucaipa, CA — The search for a missing 7-month-old baby, allegedly kidnapped outside a retail store in Yucaipa, California, is ongoing, but investigators face challenges as the child’s mother has stopped cooperating, authorities said.
Alleged Kidnapping Outside Big 5 Store
According to the San Bernardino County Sheriff’s Department, Rebecca Haro reported that her infant son, Emmanuel Haro, was taken on the evening of August 14 outside a Big 5 retail store. Haro said she was changing Emmanuel’s diaper outside her vehicle when a man assaulted her and knocked her unconscious.
“I got him out of the car seat and I laid him down so I could get his diapers ready, and somebody said ‘Hola’ and that’s all I remember, and I saw white,” Haro recalled to KABC-TV. “I fell on the floor, and I said as I got up, I couldn’t find my son. I checked all around my truck, and I ran into Big 5, and I asked the lady if she saw a baby or someone with a baby. She said ‘no.’”
Deputies and K9 units from San Bernardino and Riverside counties responded at 7:47 p.m., but despite an extensive search, Emmanuel has not been located.
Authorities did not issue an Amber Alert because there were no suspect or vehicle descriptions. Haro pleaded with the public, saying:
“I’m begging you. If you know anything, please, I’m begging you to bring him back,” according to KCAL.
Emmanuel is described as weighing 21 pounds, 24 inches long, with brown hair, brown eyes, and cross-eyed, and was last seen wearing a black Nike onesie.
Investigators Confront Inconsistencies
The sheriff’s department said that during interviews with Emmanuel’s parents, Rebecca Haro was confronted with inconsistencies in her statement and declined to continue cooperating. They also noted that foul play has not been ruled out.
“During those interviews, Rebecca was confronted with inconsistencies in her initial statement and declined to continue with the interview,” officials said.
Neither Rebecca nor Jake Haro has been charged in connection with Emmanuel’s disappearance.
Past Conviction of Father
Records show that Jake Haro has a prior conviction for child cruelty. In 2018, he and a former partner, Vanessa Avina, were charged with felony child cruelty, alleging they endangered a child under conditions likely to cause serious harm or death. Haro pleaded guilty in 2023, receiving four years of felony probation and 180 days in jail on a work-release program, according to KESQ.
Searches of Family Home
Investigators have conducted multiple searches in Yucaipa and the Haro family home in Cabazon. K9 units and surveillance footage are being used to track leads. Officials urged the public:
“Anyone with information regarding this incident is urged to contact the Specialized Investigations Division at 909-890-4904. Callers wishing to remain anonymous should contact We-Tip at 1-800-78-CRIME (27463) or go to wetip.com,” according to the San Bernardino County Sheriff’s Department.
Family Was in Yucaipa for Sports Practice
Media outlets KCAL and KTLA reported that Rebecca Haro had brought Emmanuel to Yucaipa for another child’s football practice, leaving her husband and two other children at the park while she retrieved a mouthguard.
