8-year-old Boy Abducted by Grandmother

Los Angeles: The Los Angeles Police Department and a worried mother are asking the public’s help in locating 8-year-old Princeton Bloome, who was taken from his home February 7, 2006, by the child’s grandmother, Carol Hayes, 61.

Carol Hayes is the mother to Shani Bloome, who lives at 535 N. Hayworth Street in Hollywood, California, with Princeton and Vivian Bloome, 82, Hayes’ mother, and great grandmother to Princeton.

On February 7, 2006, Hayes picked up Princeton from the Hayworth apartment and told Vivian that she was taking Princeton back to Grand Valley, Arizona, where Hayes has a home. One week later, Shani reported the abduction to the police after her mother refused to return her phone calls or the child.

On March 1, 2006, detectives obtained a warrant for Hayes’ arrest for child abduction. It was assumed that Princeton was with Hayes, and was well cared for. Hayes had cared for Princeton for several years in the past.

On April 3, 2006, police officers in Albuquerque, New Mexico, detained Carol Hayes. She appeared to be homeless and showing signs of mental illness. Because of the warrant in the national database system, local police held Hayes and contacted LAPD. Only at that point, did detectives and Princeton’s mother realize Princeton was not with his grandmother.

Detectives believe that Princeton may be in the Grand Valley, Arizona area or the Albuquerque, New Mexico area. Princeton is 8 years old. He is Black, with a light complexion, has a scar over his upper lip and weighs apporximately 65 pounds.

Hayes will face an extradition hearing, before being returned to California.

Anyone with information is asked to call Detective Jeff Childs at 213-972-2927. On weekends and during off-hours, call the 24-hour toll free number at 1-877-LAWFULL (529-3855).