Boy found; 'armed, dangerous' dad still sought

Innocent Destino III and Innocent Destino Jr.

LAKELAND, Fla. – The Polk County Sheriff's Office says the 7-year-old Lakeland boy who disappeared with his father was found safe, but the search continues for his father, Innocent Destino, Jr.

Innocent Destino III was reported missing Friday from a home on Old Tampa Highway in Lakeland. The Florida Department of Law Enforcement said they believed he was in the company of his father, 28-year-old Innocent Destino Jr.

Late Friday afternoon FDLE canceled the missing child alert, but the Sheriff's Office said they are still looking for Destino Jr., who was described as a black man, about 6 feet 1 inch tall and 230 pounds. He has black hair and brown eyes.

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There is a warrant out for his arrest on charges of attempted murder, possession of a firearm by a convicted felon and child abuse.

The FDLE said Destino Jr. may be traveling in a blue 2004 Dodge Ram 3500 truck, with the Florida tag 1914PD. The truck has a "Gone Diesel" sticker on the back window and 22-inch rims.

Officials said Destino Jr. should be considered armed and dangerous.

Anyone with information is urged to call Polk County Sheriff's Office Detective Paul Buoniconti at 868-577-1600 or 863-298-6200.

To remain anonymous, you can call Heartland Crime Stoppers at 800-226-TIPS or go to heartlandcrimestoppers.com.