Riverside police search for missing child

Riverside authorities are searching for a missing toddler who police say may have been abducted by his mother, who may be homeless.

The missing child is 3-year-old Elias Cruz, who is 3 feet tall, has brown hair and brown eyes, and weighs about 45 pounds.

At 10.30pm on Saturday, police confirmed that the mother and child had not yet been found.

Elias was last seen wearing an orange shirt, camouflage pants and a green beanie. Riverside Police posted online that the child may have been abducted by his mother, Samantha Hernandez, who does not have custody of him.

Authorities described Hernandez as a 25-year-old Latina who is 5-foot-5 and weighs about 165 pounds. She has red hair and green eyes and was last seen wearing a gray jacket and blue jeans.

The mother and child were seen walking near Lake Street and Randolph Street, and police said they believe she may be heading for the bottom of the Santa Ana River.

Anyone with information is asked to contact the Riverside Public Safety Communications Center at (951) 354-2007 and reference report number 230003408. Outside of Riverside, people with information can contact a local law enforcement dispatch center.