The parents of missing California toddler, Thaddeus Sran, have apparently stopped cooperating with police, according to the Fresno Bee.
As CrimeOnline previously reported, 2-year-old Thaddeus disappeared from the 800 block of C Street in Madera on July 14, according to what the boy’s family told police. Thaddeus’ parents said they put him to sleep at around 10 p.m. but when they woke the following morning, he was gone.
Thaddeus was born prematurely and is just now learning to walk, but usually crawls to move around. He uses a feeding tube, is nonverbal, and needs “special care.”
Authorities previously said they were treating the incident as a possible abduction and will not leave any stone unturned. The FBI and the US Marshalls have been assisting in the investigation but last Friday, police scaled back the search after scouring “every inch of the neighborhood,” ABC 30 reports.
Authorities announced Tuesday afternoon that the boy’s parents are no longer cooperating “early on the investigation.”
“We believe their assistance in this case would be helpful,” Lt. Josiah Arnold said. “We are hopeful that they will resume cooperating with Madera Police Department detectives and help us to locate Thaddeus.
“Please know that there are many aspects of this investigation that we cannot comment on publicly at this time. But, we will not stop looking for Thaddeus.”
Neighbor Ermelanto Espinoza told ABC 30 that the family had only been in the neighborhood a few weeks, but he never once saw the child.
“It’s all strange. I don’t think the boy was ever here. I think the alleged abduction was elsewhere because I never saw anything.”
Meanwhile, other agencies and community volunteers are continuing the search for Thaddeus. He stands two feet tall and weighs around 30 pounds. He was last seen wearing a diaper, Spiderman pants, and a red shirt.
Anyone with any information is urged to contact police at (559) 675-4220. A $5,000 reward is currently being offered for information that leads to the toddler’s whereabouts.
Check back for updates.
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[Feature Photo: Thaddeus Sran/Police Handout]
