2 men attempt to buy 2-year-old boy for $100 at Covina market

COVINA, Calif. -- Covina police were searching for two men involved in an attempt to buy a 2-year-old boy at a Baja Ranch Market for $100.

A 34-year-old woman was shopping Wednesday evening at the market in the 400 block of South Citrus when a man approached her and complimented her and her son about their beauty. He then asked if she wanted to sell her son. When she refused, the suspect continued to compliment her son.

After checking out, she waited several minutes after the suspect left the store before walking out to her car. When she got to her car, the suspect was parked next to her. A second male suspect was sitting in the passenger seat.

The woman told them to leave her alone. The first suspect exited his vehicle, took out a $100 bill and asked again if he could buy her son.

The suspect told the woman to just take the money, while the second suspect agreed, police said.

Instead, the woman put her son in the car and locked the doors, making it clear she wasn't going to cooperate. The first suspect then dropped the money in her shopping cart and drove away.

The woman didn't have a phone with her and drove home. She later went to the police station to report the incident.

"We always fear the worst. Fortunately, the mom was very protective... so he never really had an opportunity beyond to ask to purchase the kid," Covina Sgt. Gregg Peterson said.

The first suspect was described as about 45 years old, 5 feet 8 inches tall and 200 pounds. He was wearing blue jeans and a brown button down shirt.

The second suspect was described as in his 50s, about 6 feet tall and 215 pounds. He was wearing tan slacks and a long sleeve shirt.

The getaway car was a brown or champagne Honda Pilot.

Anyone with information is asked to call the Covina Police Department Detective Bureau (626) 384-5612, the Watch Commander (626) 384-5665 or Crime Stoppers (800) 222-TIPS (8477).