Emmanuel Haro disappearance: Investigators seize father’s vehicle as evidence

Investigators have seized the vehicle of Jake Haro, the father of 7-month-old Emmanuel Haro, who has been missing for several days after his mother alleged he was kidnapped at a Yucaipa sporting goods store.

Jake and Rebecca Haro are believed to be the new focuses of the missing persons investigation after authorities began to suspect the story of the boy’s disappearance was fabricated.

Rebecca Haro initially claimed that her son was taken from the parking lot of a Big 5 Sporting Goods Store on Aug. 14 in Yucaipa, after a stranger knocked her unconscious while she was changing the baby’s diaper.

An investigation was launched and deputies from both the San Bernardino and Riverside county sheriff’s departments searched the area for any trace of the infant and his alleged abductors. An AMBER Alert was never issued by the California Highway Patrol due to a lack of a vehicle or suspect description, but the Haros recounted the story to local media, including KTLA, as the search intensified.

But in recent days, more information has come to light regarding the boy’s parents, including that his father, Jake Haro, was previously convicted of child cruelty.

The Uvalde Foundation for Kids, which was originally offering a $5,000 reward for information leading to the recovery of Emmanuel, later canceled its independent search, due to concerns about the “inconsistencies in the details and the sudden decision by the mother to end communication with law enforcement and our team.”

The San Bernardino County Sheriff’s Department said it had confronted Rebecca Haro about those inconsistencies and said it was not able to rule out foul play in the boy’s disappearance.

Search warrants have since been served at the family’s home, including texts, computers and other communication. Cadaver dogs also sniffed around the Cabazon property for any sign of the missing boy.

On Tuesday, the Sheriff’s Department confirmed it had taken Jake Haro’s vehicle as evidence as it continues to look into Emmanuel’s parents for their possible roles in his disappearance.

Bobby Chacon, an attorney and former FBI official, said the use of cadaver dogs point to a grim conclusion to the disappearance case.

“It clearly tells me that they have reason to believe that child is deceased unfortunately,” Chacon told KTLA’s Jennifer McGraw. “I think that’s the natural assumption.”

Emmanuel is about 24 inches tall and weighs about 21 pounds. He has brown hair, brown eyes and is cross-eyed. He was last seen wearing a black Nike onesie.

Anyone with information about the case is urged to call 911, or San Bernardino County Sheriff’s Dispatch at 909-387-8313. Anonymous tips can be provided online or by calling 1-800-782-7463.