Sarasota toddler, mother found safe after concerns child was in danger

SARASOTA -- A 17-month-old toddler believed to have been in possible danger and his mother have been found safe, according to the Sarasota Police Department.

Thiago Lopez and his mother Tiaja Lopez-Vasquez, 27, were found near the area of Webber Street and Beneva Road in Sarasota on Wednesday, according to a news release.

"Both are safe and unharmed," spokeswoman Genevieve Judge said in a news release Wednesday evening.

The toddler and his mother had last been seen several days earlier in the 1600 block of Main Street in Sarasota in a silver or grayish sport utility vehicle, according to the news release. Police said they believed the child was not being properly cared for and therefore could be in danger. The mother is in the middle of a custody dispute.

This case remains under investigation by the Florida Department of Children and Families, which initially began the investigation.

On Wednesday, DCF press secretary Michelle Glady could only confirm that they had an open case with the family and could not provide any additional details.

This was not the first time Thiago has been reported missing by authorities. A flier on the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children listed Thiago as missing since Sept. 3. At the time, he was believed to be traveling with his father, Martin Lopez, and mother.

Jessica De Leon, Herald law enforcement reporter, can be reached at 941-745-7049. You can follow her on Twitter@JDeLeon1012

This story was originally published December 30, 2015 at 5:57 PM with the headline "Sarasota toddler, mother found safe after concerns child was in danger ."