Father allegedly kidnaps his children and crosses border to Mexico

In early April 2025, Rodion Kolomoeits, a 39-year-old Ukrainian national, is accused of abducting his two children, 9-year-old Avaora Kolomoeits and 7-year-old Hrant Kolomoeits, from their school located in Sylmar, Los Angeles. The alleged abduction occurred on April 8 when Rodion picked up his children from their elementary school, having recently lost custody of them. Detectives reported that he arrived at the school in a 2016 gray Toyota Prius. Three hours after the kidnapping, the vehicle was identified crossing the Mexico-U.S. border at San Ysidro at around 2 p.m. The LAPD is actively investigating the situation and believes that Rodion may be attempting to flee to Ukraine with his children. It is noted that both children are fluent in Russian, which may indicate their ties to their father's cultural background. Avaora has brown hair and blue eyes, while Hrant also has brown hair and blue eyes, further described for identification purposes. As of April 10, 2025, authorities have mobilized resources to locate Rodion and the children, considering the complexity of the case as it spans international borders. This case highlights the challenges law enforcement faces when dealing with international child custody disputes and abductions. The LAPD has urged the public for any information that may assist in locating Rodion and his children. They also provided contact information for those who may have relevant details regarding the case. The implications of this situation are broad, not only affecting the immediate family but also reflecting wider concerns about child abduction across borders. The urgency of the LAPD's call for public assistance emphasizes the potentially serious consequences of this case. The involvement of international boundaries introduces complexities regarding jurisdiction and cooperation among law enforcement agencies. This case serves as a potent reminder of the need for protective measures and legal frameworks to combat child abductions effectively in a global context.