Los Angeles police are searching for a father who allegedly abducted his two children from school. Rodion Kolomoeits, 39, reportedly picked up his 9-year-old daughter Avaora and 7-year-old son Hrant from their elementary school in Sylmar on Tuesday morning. This incident occurred shortly after he lost custody of the children in a recent court decision.
According to police, Kolomoeits was last seen driving a gray 2016 Toyota Prius with the license plate 9PKY966. He is believed to have crossed into Mexico at the San Ysidro border about three hours after picking up the kids. Authorities suspect he is trying to take them back to Ukraine, his home country.
Avaora is described as 4 feet 6 inches tall and weighing around 75 pounds, with brown hair and blue eyes. She was last seen wearing a blue shirt and black pants. Her brother Hrant is 4 feet tall and weighs about 50 pounds, with similar features. He was last seen in a green and blue sweater paired with black pants. Both children are native Russian speakers.
The Los Angeles Police Department’s Mission Division is asking for the public’s help in locating Kolomoeits and his children. Anyone with information is urged to contact LAPD at (818) 838-9810. Those who wish to remain anonymous can reach out to L.A. Regional Crime Stoppers at (800) 222-TIPS or visit their website.
Family abductions are a serious issue, with approximately 200,000 children affected each year in the United States. This case highlights the challenges faced by law enforcement and families in situations involving custody disputes and potential abductions.