Heart-Stopping Moment: Baby Rescued After Alhambra Carjacking Triggers Amber Alert
The community of Alhambra experienced a wave of anxiety and urgency this past Friday, May 22, 2026, when a reported carjacking involving a missing infant sparked an immediate Amber Alert. In a race against time, law enforcement and the public were put on high alert for a 3-month-old baby boy believed to have been taken by a stranger.
The Incident: A Moment of Distraction
The nightmare began around 5:25 p.m. near the intersection of Hampden Terrace and Sherwood Avenue. According to the Alhambra Police Department, the child’s mother had left her black Honda Civic running with the infant in the backseat while she stepped into a nearby house. In a matter of moments, the vehicle was stolen.
When the mother returned, the car—and her child—were gone. This prompted the California Highway Patrol to activate a wide-scale Amber Alert around 7 p.m., mobilizing resources across the region to locate the missing baby.
The Rescue: A Happy Ending in South Pasadena
The tension lasted for approximately thirty minutes after the alert was issued. South Pasadena police received a tip that a black Honda Civic matching the description had been spotted on Brent Avenue. Upon arrival, officers discovered the vehicle running with the air conditioning on.
Inside the car, officials found the 3-month-old boy safe and unharmed. He was immediately evaluated by medical professionals and reunited with his distraught family, bringing an end to the terrifying ordeal.
The Manhunt: Suspect Still at Large
While the baby is safe, the danger is not entirely gone. The suspect, who is not related to the family, remains at large. Investigators believe the kidnapping was a random act of opportunity, suggesting the thief likely did not realize a baby was in the vehicle at the time of the theft.
Police have provided the following description of the suspect:
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- Gender/Age: Male in his 30s
- Height: Approximately 5-foot-10
- Physical Features: Black hair and brown eyes
- Clothing: Black shirt, blue or black pants, and a black backpack
Community Call to Action
The Alhambra Police Department is urging local residents and business owners to review their security camera footage from Friday evening. Any detail, no matter how small, could be the key to bringing the suspect into custody.
This incident serves as a stark reminder of the importance of vehicle safety. Experts recommend never leaving a vehicle running unattended, even for a few seconds, to prevent opportunistic crimes. For more information on how to keep your children safe, visit the Safe Kids Worldwide portal.
This is a developing story. We will provide updates as more information becomes available from law enforcement.
