Police seek boy taken from state van in 'Ewa Beach

By Peter Boylan
Advertiser Staff Writer

Police are looking for a 9-year-old boy who was pulled from a Child Protective Services van last week in 'Ewa Beach. Authorities said they believe the boy was taken by family members and they are fearful for his safety.

Calvin Sabanal

Barry Sabanal

The group began pounding on the van and an adult grabbed the boy from the front seat of the van, police said. The adults piled into the truck and fled the area.

Police later found the vehicle.

Detective Letha DeCaires said police have reason to believe that the boy was taken by family members.

Calvin's father, Barry Sabanal, is wanted for questioning in connection with his son's disappearance, police said.

"Calvin was taken into custody because there was imminent harm or danger to the child, and the fact that he was removed and we have no idea where he is right now that makes us think that imminent harm or danger still exists, if not worse," DeCaires said.

DeCaires said police are looking to talk to the boy's family to clear up the case.

"He's probably going through a lot of mixed emotion there. If there is some kind of neglect there he probably wants to be treated properly. ... He's probably confused with what's going on," said Renette Parker, head of the Missing Child Center Hawai'i.

Barry Sabanal is wanted on an outstanding traffic warrant.

Calvin Sabanal is described as 4 feet 1, 50 pounds, with a slim build. He has dark brown, short hair, brown eyes, and a silver cap on one of his bottom teeth.

Barry Sabanal is 5 feet 2, 120 pounds, with a small build, salt and pepper hair, and brown eyes.

Anyone with information is asked to call Detective Erik Iinuma directly at 529-3099 or Missing Child Center-Hawai'i at 753-9797, or anonymous calls may be made to CrimeStoppers at 955-8300.

Reach Peter Boylan at 535-8110 or pboylan@honoluluadvertiser.com.