Sacramento, CA — A grandfather was apprehended by the Sacramento County Sheriff’s Office on Sunday following an incident where he purportedly entrusted a homeless woman with $20 to watch his granddaughter while he visited a nearby bar.

Search and Rescue Efforts Initiated

Deputies responded to a call at 7:45 p.m. in the 5300 block of Auburn Boulevard, prompted by concerns that a man was soliciting assistance to locate his missing 7-year-old granddaughter, who he claimed had been abducted.

Upon arriving at the scene, law enforcement officers encountered the man, whom they described as highly intoxicated. He admitted to providing $20 to a homeless woman, instructing her to take his granddaughter to a nearby thrift store, before proceeding to a local bar, where he spent approximately four hours.

In response to the situation, the sheriff’s office swiftly mobilized search efforts, utilizing helicopters, unmanned aerial systems, and K9 units to locate both the woman and the child.

Reunion and Confirmation

The helicopter broadcasted public address announcements, prompting the homeless woman to return to the parking lot with the child. She affirmed that the man had indeed given her money to escort his grandchild to a nearby thrift store.

The young girl corroborated the woman’s account, subsequently undergoing a medical examination administered by the Sacramento Fire Department as a precautionary measure.

Legal Ramifications and Child’s Safety

The grandfather was taken into custody and is now facing charges of felony child endangerment and additional offenses. His bail has been set at $75,000, and he is scheduled to appear in court on Wednesday.

Following clearance by Child Protective Services, the child was reunited with her aunt, who holds full custody.

Conclusion: Ensuring Child Welfare

This incident underscores the critical importance of responsible guardianship and ensuring the safety and well-being of children. Swift and coordinated responses from law enforcement agencies played a pivotal role in swiftly reuniting the child with her family and holding the responsible party accountable.

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