WOBURN, MASS. (WHDH) - A father who prompted an alert from police after failing to return his son to Salem on Tuesday night has been taken into custody and the child was found safe, officials announced Wednesday.
Anthony Lonano Sr., 40, was escorted to the hospital for an evaluation following a traffic stop around 3 p.m. in the area of Main and Kirby streets, according to Massachusetts State Police.
Eleven-year-old Anthony Lonano Jr. was found in his father’s green Toyota Camry and taken away by Woburn police.
“Regardless of your rank, you never stop being a police officer,” said Woburn Police Chief Robert Rufo, who happened to find himself driving behind Lonano Sr. “We’re just happy the child is in safe hands.”
Rufo added that charges have not yet been filed against Lonano Sr.
Lonano Sr. never returned his son to his mother’s home at the designated drop-off time of 7 p.m., touching off a nearly 24-hour search, police said.
Lonano Sr., who has ties to North Andover and Clinton, reportedly has shared custody of the child.
No additional details were immediately available.
An investigation remains ongoing.
This is a developing news story; stay with 7NEWS for updates online and on-air.
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