19-Month Old Boy Injured, Detectives Searching For Suspect

Modesto, CA – Modesto Police Detectives are searching for a man they believe may be a suspect in, or may have information about, an incident that left a 19-month-old boy in critical condition.  Detectives are not releasing details about the injuries sustained by the child at this time.

Roberto Valencia, 28-years-old of Modesto, was home with the child in the 400 block of 6th Street in Modesto yesterday.  Valencia is boyfriend of the child’s mother.  Valencia’s mother came to the home and discovered the boy was injured and unresponsive.  She called 9-1-1 at about 2:00 pm and the boy was taken by ambulance to Doctor’s Medical Center in Modesto.  EMT’s at the scene notified Modesto Police about the suspicious nature of the injuries.

Valencia went to the hospital but left when police detectives began to arrive.  Detectives spoke with medical staff at the hospital and believe the child’s injuries are the result of abuse.  Detectives have attempted to contact Valencia to speak with him about the child’s injuries but have been unable to locate him.  He is considered a suspect in this case, and  has two warrants for his arrest that are unrelated to this incident.  The first warrant is for domestic violence and the second is for resisting arrest and traffic violations.

If anyone knows of his whereabouts they can call 9-1-1 or Crime Stoppers at (209) 521-4636. Callers to Crime Stoppers can remain anonymous and may be eligible for a reward.