UPDATE 9/8/2025 4:21 PM:
FLAGSTAFF, Ariz. – Authorities have released additional details following the safe recovery of 1-year-old Enzo Antonescu in Northern Arizona Sunday night.
The child was allegedly abducted at knifepoint from a Target store on Colima Road near Rowland Heights, Los Angeles County. According to the Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department, the boy’s father, Dragan Antonescu, 21, and his grandparents, Viorel Ilie and Marioara Ilie, assaulted the child’s mother before taking the toddler. The mother was transported to a hospital for treatment of minor injuries.
An Amber Alert was issued by the California Highway Patrol shortly after the disappearance, triggering an hours-long multi-agency search across state lines.
Suspects Captured Near Flagstaff
The suspects fled the area in a dark gray 2011 Toyota Sienna minivan. ALPR cameras detected the vehicle on the Interstate near Flagstaff, allowing Arizona State Troopers and local agencies to track its movements.
At approximately 8 p.m., troopers conducted a high-risk stop east of Flagstaff near milepost 245, just outside Winslow. All three suspects were taken into custody without incident, and baby Enzo was recovered safely and unharmed.
Arrests and Charges
Coconino County confirmed the following arrests and booking details early Monday morning:
-
ILIE, Viorel – Arrested 9/8/2025
Charge: Kidnapping – Ransom/Hostage -
ANTONESCU, Dragan – Arrested 9/8/2025
Charge: Kidnapping – Ransom/Hostage -
ILIE, Marioara – Arrested 9/8/2025
Charge: Kidnapping – Ransom/Hostage
The Amber Alert has since been deactivated.
Authorities in both California and Arizona continue to coordinate the investigation.
ORIGINAL POST FROM SUNDAY EVENING:
FLAGSTAFF, Ariz. – At approximately 7:30 p.m. Sunday evening, Los Angeles County officials alerted Northern Arizona law enforcement that a kidnapping suspect was believed to be in the Flagstaff area. The Coconino County Sheriff’s Office, Arizona Department of Public Safety troopers, and Flagstaff Police Department immediately began coordinating efforts to locate the suspect.
Using real-time data from the ALPR license plate reader camera system, authorities quickly confirmed the suspect’s vehicle had been detected on Interstate 17 and 40 near Flagstaff. Multiple agencies launched a thorough search based on that information.
Within minutes, the vehicle was spotted traveling eastbound on I-40 near the Cosnino exit. Officers conducted a high-risk traffic stop, pulling the vehicle over near milepost 245—about 45 miles east of Flagstaff, close to Winslow.
Several individuals were taken into custody without incident. A baby was safely recovered and unharmed.
A heavy law enforcement presence remains in the area as the investigation continues.
