Desperate search for missing 2-year-old after California floodwaters sweep away car
Toddler with autism remains missing as storms drive widespread floods in Southern California; father rescued and later released from hospital as authorities lead a large-scale search
A desperate search is underway for Xavier Padilla Aguilera, a 2-year-old missing after floodwaters swept away the family car in Barstow, California, during violent thunderstorms that swept through Southern California Thursday evening. The boy was with his father, Brandon Padilla Aguilera, 26, when the white sedan was carried off a roadway around 7:14 p.m. local time. Brandon was later rescued after becoming stranded on a small island and was taken to a hospital, where he has since been released. Xavier is nonverbal and has autism, according to his family.
Xavier was last seen wearing black pants, a black shirt, and black and white Nike shoes. His aunt, Leeanna Kay, has been posting updates on social media, describing the search as ongoing and urging people in the area to help with lighting and other aids as volunteers comb mud and debris-strewn areas. A photo of Xavier has circulated among residents and search volunteers as officials coordinate the effort with local agencies.
The official search for the toddler — who celebrated his second birthday on Monday — was suspended until daylight on Friday, according to KABC-TV. The father and son were separated by a strong current when the car was swept away during powerful thunderstorms that battered Southern California. The National Weather Service had issued a flood watch on Thursday as the storms moved across the region, bringing warnings of excessive rainfall and rapid river rises.
Emergency responders from multiple agencies were involved in the response, including the San Bernardino County sheriff's Department, Burlington Northern Santa Fe Railway Police, California Highway Patrol, City of Barstow Public Works, MCLB Fire, Desert Ambulance, and San Bernardino County Fire's Swift Water Rescue Team. Dramatic video from the area showed floods causing chaos, with reports of a mudslide in Oak Glen that sent debris crashing down hillsides. Parts of Cedar Falls Road near Camp Cedar Falls were covered by a mudslide, blocking channels and delaying rescues as crews worked to reach stranded motorists.
San Bernardino County reported nearly three inches of rain, while Running Springs recorded just over four inches as the storms moved through the region. Officials linked the rainfall to an early-season tropical system that moved into the Eastern Pacific earlier in the week. A flood warning remained in effect for central California until about 5 p.m. Friday as crews continued to assess running water, rising rivers, and the potential for further mudslides.
The search, and the broader response to the week’s extreme weather, underscore the ongoing risk posed by Pacific storm systems that collide with Southern California terrain. Officials urged residents to avoid flooded roadways and to stay alert for changing conditions as crews continue to monitor streams and flood-prone areas. Updates are expected as daylight returns and responders widen your search grid and assess new information on Xavier Padilla Aguilera’s whereabouts.