Authorities are asking for the public's help in locating a 10-year-old Mission Viejo boy believed to have been taken by his father, who might be traveling to Mexico with the child.
Investigators said late Thursday morning that they have been in contact with the boy, who told them he is safe.
Jaime Zepeda, 33, picked up his son around 1 p.m. Wednesday from Linda Vista Elementary School at 25222 Pericia Dr. in Mission Viejo and was supposed to drop the boy off at his mother's home at 7 p.m. but never showed, police said.
A court order required him to drop the boy off at 7 p.m. Wednesday, according to police.
The boy's mother believes Zepeda is headed to Mexico with the boy, according to police.
The boy is Latino, 4 feet 1, and 130 pounds. He was last seen wearing black Adidas shorts, a gray sweater, black tennis shoes and carrying a blue, gray and black backpack.
Zepeda is Latino, 5 feet 3 and 160 pounds. He is believed to be driving a gold 2002 Ford F-150, California license plate of 8U71467, or a 1997 Toyota Celica with California plate 6FGN527, according to Rehnelt.
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Anyone with information about the case was urged to call the Orange County Sheriff's Department at 714-647-7000.
