Five-year-old boy found barefoot alone in Queens parking lot, NYPD reports.

A young boy, estimated to be around 5 years old, was discovered alone in the parking lot of a laundromat in Far Rockaway early Tuesday morning. According to law enforcement sources, the child, who was found without shoes, showed signs of good physical health but was nonverbal. Authorities released a photograph of the boy to aid in identifying him and locating his family.

Lidia Rojas, an employee at Laundry City Express, arrived at the laundromat on Seagirt Boulevard near Beach 26th Street shortly after 5 a.m. and was taken aback to find the child wandering in the parking lot, dressed in beige shorts and a white T-shirt. She recalled her immediate reaction: a mix of concern and surprise at the sight of a young child out alone at such an early hour. Rojas, a mother of three grown children, described her thoughts as she approached the boy, noting that her first instinct was to ensure his safety.

Upon seeing the child, Rojas provided him with water and contacted the police for assistance. Officers from the 101st Precinct quickly responded and took custody of the boy. In addition, the Administration for Children’s Services was notified to begin the process of addressing the situation appropriately.

The boy, who weighs approximately 80 pounds and has short black braids, has been a subject of concern within the community. As a precautionary measure, investigators are currently reviewing surveillance footage from the laundromat in hopes of shedding light on how the boy came to be there without supervision. John Estevez, the manager of the establishment, expressed his disbelief over the incident, noting that both Rojas and he were shocked to encounter such a situation.

Authorities are urging anyone who may have information regarding the child’s identity or his family to reach out to Crime Stoppers at (800)-577-TIPS. The community remains hopeful that with the public’s assistance, the boy can be reunited with his family soon. The circumstances surrounding his presence alone in the laundromat parking lot remain under investigation, highlighting a concern that resonates deeply with parents and guardians in the area. As this story unfolds, it underscores the need for vigilance regarding the safety of children in public spaces.