Authorities in Los Angeles are searching for a man who allegedly kidnapped his two young children from school and fled the United States, potentially on a path toward Ukraine, according to an alert issued by the Los Angeles Police Department.
The suspect, identified as 39-year-old Rodion Kolomoeits, is a Ukrainian citizen and is believed to be making efforts to travel back to Ukraine with his two children — 9-year-old Avaora Kolomoeits and 7-year-old Hrant Kolomoeits.
LAPD officials say Kolomoeits lost custody of the children prior to Tuesday’s abduction, which reportedly took place mid-morning during school hours. According to investigators, the suspect arrived at their Los Angeles school and removed the children without authorization.
Later that same day, surveillance footage reportedly captured the vehicle associated with the kidnapping — a Toyota Prius — crossing into Mexico through the San Ysidro Port of Entry. Police believe the suspect is using Mexico as a transit route to reach Eastern Europe.
All three individuals are fluent in Russian, authorities noted, which may aid Kolomoeits in navigating regions during their escape.
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The LAPD has launched a manhunt and is urging anyone with information on the whereabouts of the children or suspect to come forward. “This is an active investigation, and our priority is ensuring the safe return of these children,” the department said in a statement.
This alarming case unfolds as Ukraine remains at the center of a grinding conflict with Russia. On Sunday, Russian airstrikes hit the capital city of Kyiv in a new wave of escalated attacks.
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky responded on social media, calling the strikes a direct message from the Kremlin in response to recent diplomatic overtures.
“Putin’s attacks are his answer to global diplomacy. The world — the U.S., Europe, all our allies — must now see clearly: Russia is committed to continuing its war and destruction,” Zelensky wrote.
As tensions abroad intensify, officials at home are focusing their efforts on locating Avaora and Hrant before they are taken farther from U.S. jurisdiction.
