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RIVERSIDE – A 2-year-old girl was abandoned at a Riverside Food-4-Less on Sunday evening. At around 5:55 p.m. officers from the Riverside Police Department responded to the store located at 4250 Van Buren Boulevard.

Through investigation officers learned that the woman walked into the store with the toddler by her side. The small child wandered off and the mother did not appear to be concerned Riverside Police officials said. The woman continued shopping and as she was shopping a good samaritan brought the child to her. The mother, according to the witness said, “Oh, just leave her.” The mother paid for her groceries and left the store without the child.

Police say that it appears as though the child was left intentionally by the woman that the child identified as “mommy” when shown surveillance footage. The child still has not been reported missing and now has been placed in protective custody.

The mother is described as being 20-30-years-old and of unknown race. She has dark hair, and was last seen wearing black or dark tank top shirt and denim shorts. She also appears to have several tattoos on her right arm. Detectives are asking for the public’s help in identifying the woman pictured. Anyone who recognizes the women is urged to contact Detective Paul Miranda at (951) 353-7945 or pmiranda@riversideca.gov.