Police probe alleged parental abduction
Police are searching for a Vancouver woman who allegedly abducted her own son contrary to a court custody order.
According to Vancouver police, Shawana Chaudhary has allegedly taken her nine-yearold son, Emerson Cusworth, and may be travelling with him and her six-year-old daughter.
Police say there are signs Chaudhary “made plans to be away from home for an extended period” and is likely to be in the company of her two children and one or two dogs. Police do not believe that either child is in danger.
The boy’s father called police on Friday after he went to pick up his son at school, as per his court ordered parenting time, but Emerson was not there. Emerson was last seen Friday morning with his mother and his sister.
Chaudhary is 34, appears South Asian, stands about 5-feet8, and weighs about 106 pounds. She has long dark hair and dark eyes. Emerson is nine, appears South Asian, weighs about 55 pounds and has short black hair and dark eyes. VPD spokesperson Jason Doucette said investigators have information that suggests Emerson’s appearance could have changed.
Doucette said Shawana Chaudhary, also known as Shawna, may be using her old legal name Virjinia Leeman which also could be spelled Virginia Leman.
No information is being released about Chaudhary’s daughter as she is not subject to a court-imposed custody order.
Anyone with information about Chaudhary’s whereabouts or who recognizes the mother or her son is asked to contact police at 911 or investigators at 604-7170601. Those who wish to remain anonymous can contact Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-8477.