UPDATE: Both the child involved in the incident and the mother of the child have been positively identified, and both are safe. The person of interest listed in the earlier release has been located and detained for questioning.

No arrests have been made as of this writing. investigation into this incident is active and ongoing.

No further information is currently available. Updates will be provided as additional information becomes available.

ORIGINAL: The NOPD is seeking assistance from the public to reunite a found child with his family.

The child (picture attached), an unidentified male believed to be approximately 12-15 months of age, was found by the NOPD earlier today (July 31, 2024) near the intersection of Chef Menteur Highway and Wilson Drive. After multiple efforts by the NOPD, no parents or guardians of the child have been identified nor has anyone come forward.

Through further investigation, the NOPD developed Makayla Ryan (pictured at left) as a person of interest in this investigation. Ryan is not currently wanted on criminal charges at this time. However, detectives feel she has knowledge of information vital to the investigation and wish to interview her.

Anyone with information on this child's identity or that of his parent(s), or on the whereabouts of the pictured person of interest is urged to contact the NOPD Special Victims Division Child Abuse Unit immediately at 504-658-5267. Those wishing to report information anonymously can do so by calling Crimestoppers of Greater New Orleans at 504-822-1111.

Updates will be provided as additional information becomes available.

Have a question or correction? Please email NOPD’s Public Affairs Division at nopdpio@nola.gov.