Modesto police seek boyfriend in 19-month-old boy's injuries

Emergency responders found boy unresponsive

By EMILIE RAGUSO
eraguso@modbee.com

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A 19-month-old Modesto boy is in what police are calling a "very life-threatening and critical condition" and detectives are investigating.

The boy was home alone with his mother's boyfriend when someone called 911 about 2 p.m. Thursday, said Modesto police Sgt. Craig Gund- lach, police spokesman.

Gundlach said the boyfriend -- 28-year-old Modesto resident Roberto Valencia -- is a suspect and is being sought by authorities.

"Right now he is a suspect in this case, and we are hoping to find him to talk to him about what occurred," Gundlach said. "There are a lot of questions we have about the injuries of the baby."

The baby's mother had taken a sibling to a doctor's appointment, Gund- lach said. The baby and Valencia were home on the 400 block of Sixth Street when someone called 911.

Gundlach said that when emergency responders arrived, the boy was unresponsive and they rushed him to Doctors Medical Center. They also called police because the boy's injuries raised suspicions. Gundlach said Valencia also went to the hospital but was gone when detectives arrived.

The boy was flown to Children's Hospital & Research Center Oakland. Gundlach said detectives were not releasing details of the boy's injuries, but he said the 19-month-old was in a "very life-threatening and critical condition."

Gundlach said Valencia has black hair, brown eyes, stands 5 feet 7 inches tall and weighs 155 pounds. Gundlach said police believe Valencia lives with his girlfriend and the two children.

Valencia has two warrants totaling $75,000 for his arrest, Gundlach said. One is for felony domestic violence and the other is for misdemeanor traffic violations, including suspicion of reckless driving and resisting arrest.

Police ask anyone who has information on Valencia's whereabouts to call 911 or CrimeStoppers at 521-4636. Callers to CrimeStoppers can remain anonymous.

Bee staff writer Emilie Raguso can be reached at eraguso@modbee.com or 578-2235.