Tuesday, 28 July 2026, 14:13
A harrowing Amber Alert that spanned Northern and Southern California ended safely on Wednesday, July 1, 2026, when a 3-month-old baby abducted from Hayward was found in Los Angeles. The infant, Maxence Sirois, was reunited with his father after his mother, Marina Kazakova, was taken into custody. The case underscores the critical role of rapid law enforcement collaboration in child abduction emergencies.
According to the Hayward Police Department, Maxence was last seen with his mother, Marina Kazakova, around 1 a.m. on Sunday, June 28, near McBride Lane and Underwood Avenue in Hayward. The mother was required by a court-ordered custody agreement to return the child to his father on Tuesday, July 30, but she failed to do so, prompting authorities to suspect an abduction. The California Highway Patrol issued an Amber Alert at approximately 5:30 a.m. on Wednesday, covering Alameda, San Joaquin, Kern, and Los Angeles counties. Kazakova was believed to be driving a white 2016 Mazda CX-5 with California license plate 7SJW989.
Just hours after the alert went out, CHP officers located the suspect vehicle abandoned in a parking lot near the intersection of Wilshire Boulevard and Veteran Avenue in Westwood, Los Angeles. The area is near the federal building and just east of the 405 Freeway. Kazakova was found nearby with Maxence and was taken into custody without incident. The baby was described as safe and unharmed, with officials working to reunite him with his father. The Amber Alert was deactivated around 12:20 p.m.
The Hayward Police Department expressed gratitude to the CHP, the FBI, and other allied agencies for their swift response. “The Hayward Police Department extends its sincere gratitude to the California Highway Patrol, the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI), and our allied law enforcement partners for their outstanding collaboration, dedication, and swift response in bringing this incident to a safe resolution,” the department said in a statement. The case drew attention across California, with residents in affected counties urged to remain vigilant.
This incident originated in Alameda County, specifically in the city of Hayward, but the search quickly expanded to include San Joaquin, Kern, and Los Angeles counties. The involvement of multiple jurisdictions highlights the interconnected nature of law enforcement in California. The baby’s safe recovery in Los Angeles County, a region far from his East Bay home, underscores the effectiveness of the Amber Alert system in mobilizing resources across the state.
The safe return of Maxence Sirois is a relief for his family and the community. This case serves as a reminder of the importance of adhering to custody agreements and the critical role of public alerts in locating missing children. Authorities continue to investigate the circumstances, and Kazakova faces potential charges related to the abduction. For now, the focus remains on reuniting the child with his father and ensuring his well-being.
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