Man accused of kidnapping toddler while mother was inside Oakland Park restaurant
BROWARD-- Authorities are actively searching for Phillip J. Pepe Jr., wanted on multiple charges, including kidnapping, false imprisonment of a child, and grand theft auto, according to the Broward Sheriff's Office.
Saturday morning, just after 8 a.m., deputies were sent to an IHOP restaurant at 3101 W. Oakland Park Blvd. in response to a report of a stolen vehicle with a three-year-old boy inside.
The child's mother said she had gone inside the restaurant and when she came out her vehicle, with her son inside, was missing.
Minutes later, deputies located the vehicle and the unharmed child at 1901 Northwest 40th Avenue.
Deputies established a perimeter and called in aviation and K-9 units for assistance. They were unable to locate Pepe.
Anyone with information on Pepe's whereabouts is asked to contact BSO Special Victims Unit at 954-321-4256 or submit a tip through the SaferWatch App. If you wish to remain anonymous, please contact Broward Crime Stoppers at 954-493-TIPS (8477).