Share and Follow

A desperate search is underway for a 2-year-old boy who was separated from his father as floodwaters swept their car off a street in Barstow, Calif., during a flash flood Thursday night.

Video from a bystander showed a white sedan being forced sideways by strong currents flowing across Main Street between Lenwood Road and Sweeten Lane.

“My nephew is 2! His name is Xavier he is super small and he his missing from the car in the river. He has brown hair and eyes he’s a lighter skin tone. Please help us find him,” Leeanna Kay posted Thursday night.

The Barstow Police Department said in a post on Friday that Xavier Padilla Aguilera was separated from his father, identified as 26-year-old Brandon Padilla Aguilera, as they were being swept away by the flooding around 7:15 p.m.

Brandon Aguilera was eventually rescued from an island created by the flood. He was taken to Barstow Community Hospital, where he was later released.

  • Missing boy Barstow
  • Missing boy Barstow
  • Missing boy Barstow
  • Missing boy Barstow

“The search for Xavier is ongoing,” police said.

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 were all requested to assist Barstow police.

The flood came amid a day of powerful thunderstorms that caused mudslides across portions of Southern California, including Oak Glen, where a mudslide quickly rushed down a hillside, overtaking portions of a parking lot.

Share and Follow
You May Also Like
Part of California State Route 138 washes away from flooding Wednesday, Dec. 24, 2025, outside of Wrightwood, Calif. (AP Photo/Wally Skalij)

Southern California Braces for More Rain as Christmas Day Storm Looms Over Already Waterlogged Region

LOS ANGELES (AP) — The intense winter storm that recently drenched Southern…
Emma Heming Willis dismisses 'loud' opinions about caregiving experience

Emma Heming Willis Shares Heartfelt Insights on Holiday Changes Following Bruce Willis’ Dementia Diagnosis

She crafted the blog to resonate with individuals navigating the season while…
The same Knicks issue is rearing its head once again

Unpacking the Knicks’ Recurring Struggles: Can They Overcome Their Persistent Challenges?

The Knicks are feeling the sting of early-season challenges. They’ve consistently struggled…
Karen Bass declares emergency as floods wreak havoc across Los Angeles

Karen Bass Declares State of Emergency: Los Angeles Faces Devastating Flood Crisis

On Christmas morning, thousands of Californians were compelled to evacuate as severe…
'Just blown away': Jacksonville family of nine overwhelmed by community support after house fire

Jacksonville Family of Nine Overcomes House Fire with Heartwarming Community Support

“It’s simply incredible what people can achieve with their kindness and the…
Trump-backed candidate Asfura wins Honduras presidential election

Historic Victory: Trump-Endorsed Asfura Triumphs in Honduras Presidential Election

In a significant political shift for Central America, Nasry Asfura has clinched…
JSO: Man dies after being found shot on Brentwood Avenue

Breaking: JSO Launches Probe into Tragic Southside Shooting Incident

The Jacksonville Sheriff’s Office has assured the public that a recent incident…
Chicago-born Pope Leo XIV shares message of peace on 1st Christmas as pontiff in Vatican City

Chicago Native Pope Leo XIV Delivers Inspiring Peace Message in First Vatican Christmas Address

In Vatican City, a sense of anticipation fills the air as Pope…