LOS ANGELES, CA – An Amber Alert was issued Wednesday for a 4-year-old boy last seen in Los Angeles with a 23-year-old man, authorities said.
The California Highway Patrol activated the alert on behalf of the Los Angeles Police Department for Selah Tillary, who was last seen around 11 a.m. on Aug. 19 near West Manchester Avenue and Hoover Street.
Authorities identified the adult accompanying him as 23-year-old Donnel Paige.
Selah is described as a Black child standing about 3 feet tall and weighing approximately 45 pounds, with black hair and brown eyes.
He was last seen wearing a white tank top, blue sweatpants and blue checkered shoes.
Paige is described as approximately 5 feet 9 inches tall and weighing about 155 pounds, with black hair and brown eyes.
He was last seen wearing a white shirt and black pants or shorts.
Authorities said Paige is believed to be traveling on foot.
Investigators have not publicly explained the circumstances that led to the child being reported missing or whether Selah and Paige are related or otherwise known to one another.
They also have not said where the pair may be headed.
The California Highway Patrol serves as the statewide coordinator for California’s missing-person alert system and activates alerts on behalf of investigating law enforcement agencies.
Under California’s Amber Alert Plan, an alert is reserved for cases in which authorities have confirmed that a child has been abducted or taken, believe the child faces an imminent risk of serious bodily injury or death, and have information that could help the public locate the child.
The system is designed to rapidly distribute identifying information to law enforcement agencies and the public in an effort to recover a child as quickly as possible.
CHP says Amber Alerts can be distributed through broadcasters, electronic highway signs, mobile devices and other public notification systems.
The alert involving Selah was issued while authorities continued searching for both the child and Paige.
No vehicle description was included because Paige is believed to be on foot.
Police have not released additional information about where the two may have traveled after they were last seen.
Authorities also have not disclosed whether investigators have surveillance footage, witness statements or other evidence showing their movements after 11 a.m.
The Los Angeles Police Department’s missing-person resources ask members of the public with information about missing individuals to contact investigators or call 911 when immediate assistance is required.
In an Amber Alert case, authorities specifically advise people who believe they have spotted the child or suspect to call 911 rather than approaching them.
CHP’s guidance for the public recommends paying close attention to the physical descriptions provided in an alert and reporting any possible sighting immediately.
People who see Selah or Paige should note their location, direction of travel and any other identifying information that can be safely observed before contacting authorities.
Members of the public should not attempt to confront Paige.
As of the latest information released, authorities had not announced that Selah had been located.
They also had not released information about any injuries or medical conditions involving the child.
The alert remained focused on locating the 4-year-old and determining the circumstances surrounding his disappearance.
Anyone who sees Selah Tillary or Donnel Paige is urged to call 911 immediately.
The investigation remains ongoing.
