Child Abduction Regional Emergency

Los Angeles:   The Los Angeles Police Department (LAPD) is requesting that the media provide the public with the following information to assist law enforcement effort in locating this missing child.

On April 4, 2009, at about 9:30 a.m., Tomas Betsis-Dunstan, a 10-year-old boy from Pacific Palisades, was forcefully taken from his school by his father, George Betsis.  Betsis is involved in a custody dispute with his ex-wife over guardianship of the child.  

Betsis is an Australian National and had applied to the Australian Courtsfor guardianship of Tomas, but was denied.  He was ordered by the courts to return Tomas to the Los Angeles Police Department’s West Los Angeles Area Station.  Betsis contacted the police station, acknowledged the order, and told an officer that he would not comply with the directive at this time.

Betsis is described as a 49-year-old White man, with brown hair and eyes, 5 ft. 8 in. tall, 200 lbs., with a medium build and dark complexion.  He was last seen wearing a blue jacket and blue jeans.  Detectives have reason to believe he is driving a 2009 Gray Kia Sorrento, California License Plate Number 6ELL191.

Anyone with information about the whereabouts of Betsis or Tomas, is asked to call West Los Angeles Detectives, Detective Francene Mounger at 310-444-1533.  After-hours and on weekends, calls may be directed to the West Los Angeles watch commander at 310-444-0701 or to a 24-hour, toll-free number at 1-877-LAPD-24-7 (527-3247).  Callers may also text "Crimes" with a cell phone or log on to www.lapdonline.org and click on Web tips.  When using a cell phone, all messages should begin with "LAPD."  Tipsters may remain anonymous.

Click here to see Bulletin