Police ID Suspect in Triplets’ Abduction

Tustin police on Friday released the name of the man suspected of stealing a car carrying 14-week-old triplets from a service station in December, and an organization offered a reward for tips leading to his arrest.

The triplets were found within half an hour of their abduction. Police continue to search for the suspect, Alejandro Zavala Sanchez, 20. He is known to frequent the Ontario and Fontana areas of San Bernardino County and the Turlock area near Modesto in Central California, police said.

Sanchez was last seen Thursday in Denair near Turlock, Tustin Police Det. Paul Carvo said.

The triplets’ father briefly left his Toyota 4-Runner with the engine running at a Shell station on Jamboree Road while he went inside. His three sons were strapped in car seats in the back seat.

During the estimated 15 seconds the car was unattended, Sanchez allegedly climbed into the vehicle and drove away. The triplets were found 25 minutes later in the open bed of a pickup truck, still in their car seats. The Toyota later was found in Ontario.

Tustin police describe Sanchez as 5 feet, 7 inches tall, 140 pounds, with black hair, brown eyes and a horizontal scar between his chin and lower lip. He has been known to use the names Miguel Maldonado, Miguel Hernandez, Alejandro Maraquin and Adolfo Iniguez Ortega. A warrant for Sanchez’s arrest has been issued, police said.

Anyone with information about Sanchez’s whereabouts is asked to call the Police Department at (714) 573-3249. Anonymous tips can be given to the Ontario Crimestoppers at (909) 986-HALT. The group is offering a $1,000 reward for information leading to Sanchez’s arrest.