7-Year-Old Boy Abducted by Estranged Father; Headed to Mexico

August 3, 2006

Los Angeles: The Los Angeles Police Department is asking for the public’s help in locating 7-year-old Anthony Sanchez who was abducted by his father, 42-year-old Efren Bugarine.

On July 31, 2006, at around 9:00 AM, Anthony’s mother dropped him off at her mother’s home in the 7400 block of Denny Avenue in North Hollywood. At about 9:30 PM on the same day, Bugarine came and took Anthony and fled in a vehicle.

Officers interviewed the mother, Maria Sanchez, who said she and Bugarine have had a relationship for 7 years and had Anthony in common. Maria told the officers that Bugarine called her shortly after the abduction and said he was not going to bring Anthony back.

On August 3, Bugarine called and said he was going to take Anthony to Mexico.

Anthony is described as a heavy build with black hair, brown eyes, 4′ 1", 70 lbs. He was last seen wearing a white shirt and blue shorts.

Bugarine has black hair, brown eyes, 5′ 7", 140 lbs. His vehicle was described as a black 1987 Chevy Pickup with California plate of 3G23535.

Anyone with information is urged to call North Hollywood Division at 818-623-4065. On weekends and during off-hours, the public may also call the 24-hour toll free number at the Detective Information Desk at 1-877-LAWFULL (529-3855).