A 22-month-old boy who disappeared with his father on Friday has been found safe and unharmed Saturday.
Elias Valdez had been picked up by his father, Blaz Valdez, Friday morning — with the understanding that the toddler would be brought back home by 5 p.m. — but didn’t return home.
The boy’s family had been concerned for his father’s mental state, according to police.
Blaz Valdez returned Elias to the toddler’s aunt on Saturday morning at 11:25 a.m., Unified Police detective Ken Hansen said.
“We’re just happy that he’s unharmed and safe,” Hansen said. “You always worry what the outcome’s going to be but it’s nice to see when a child’s been returned safely.”