Original Blog Entry: Boy wakes up to find dad has left, driven across U.S. 'because of bad economy'

truesee — Wed, 31 Aug 2011 08:53:00 GMT

Minnesota dad who abandoned young son with a note arrested in California

Nina Mandell

DAILY NEWS STAFF WRITER

Tuesday, August 30th 2011, 8:35 PM

Steven Cross, 60, was arrested for abandoning his 11-year-old son after explaining himself in a letter, was found working at a California deli.

A Minnesota man who abandoned his 11-year-old son in July has been arrested in California - more than a month after he left his son with only a note.

The Minneapolis Star-Tribune reported that cops stopped Steven Cross' Ford van Monday night after getting a tip that he was working at a deli in the area.

He was identified and taken into custody, a police spokesman told the paper.

Cross, 60, made national headlines he left his son Sebastian a note on July 18 saying he wouldn't be coming back.

If this paper is wet it's because I am crying so bad, he wrote in the letter, the Star-Tribune said. You know your dad loves you more than anything. This economy got there are no jobs for architects so I have to go because the sheriff will take the house July 27th.

There will be no more me. ... Some good news is your mother is still alive. Though I do not think it is for the best. Give these letters to . Do not open them. I hope they get to give you a chance. There are many great years ahead for you. No so for me.

The heartbroken 11-year-old, who had been raised by his father for the past decade, was placed with an aunt.

He told authorities his father had not been acting any differently the night before he disappeared, The Associated Press reported.

A warrant was issued for Cross' arrest on child neglect charges.

Police said Cross seemed to be living out of his van and they believed he was heading to work when he was stopped.

Authorities are still searching for Sebastian's mother, the paper reported. Steven Cross previously told his son his mother was dead because he thought she was a bad role model.

She received visitation rights in 2001, but after not exercising them, they were suspended in 2002, AP reported.

Cross was reportedly nearly $35,000 in debt when he took off.

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