DETROIT » Police and family members are pleading for the safe return of a 2-year-old Detroit girl who’s been missing since her father reported being carjacked by a thief who drove away with her strapped into a seat.

Detroit Police Chief Ralph Godbee says the reward for information leading to Bianca Jones’ return is now at $17,500 thanks to a businessman’s donation. Godbee asked witnesses to come forward with what they know during a news conference Saturday.

Banika Jones begged whoever has her daughter to drop the child off somewhere safe.

Officers have searched vacant homes in the area.

Police say two people were involved in the carjacking. They released a sketch of one.

The carjacking was reported Friday. The vehicle was recovered with the empty child seat still inside.