The release said Jose Navarrete, 25, and his daughter entered the elephant enclosure.
After the father and daughter were in the enclosure, an elephant spotted the pair and began jogging according to the release. When Navarrete tried to leave the cage with his two-year-old, he dropped her off but was able to pick her up.
“There were no injuries to Navarrete, his daughter or the elephant,” the release said.
According to police, Navarrete was booked in the San Diego County Jail. He is charged with child abuse and is currently being held on $ 100,000 bail.
CNN could not determine if he is currently a legal representative and could not reach him for comment.
Police said the investigation is ongoing and are asking anyone who would witness the incident to contact the San Diego Police Department.