Woman poses as social worker in Orange County and tries kidnapping infant, police say

SANTA ANA, Calif. (FOX 11) - A woman who police say posed as a social services worker with the Orange County Children and Family Services, and attempted to kidnap an infant, is in police custody.

Investigators say the incident happened at 11:30 a.m. Friday in the 2300 block of S. Evergreen in Santa Ana. They say the victim was at home, got a knock on the door from a woman claiming to be named Myela Ortega with social services, and tells the woman she's aware she had a child two weeks ago and is there to take possession of the child.

Police say the suspect did not show an ID or paperwork to the victim and when the victim told her she would be going with her if the child was being taken, the suspect said there was no room in the car for the mother, turned around, and walked away.

The victim grabbed her phone and recorded video of the suspect and the suspect's vehicle, police said.

Santa Ana police said the suspect surrendered to police and was detained. They say the victim positively identified the woman.

Authorities confirmed the suspect was not employed with Orange County Children and Family Services.

Police are working to determine if there were other potential kidnappings but at this time, it's unknown if there were other victims.

The investigation is ongoing. Anyone with information regarding this case is asked to contact the Santa Ana Police Department.