2 young children safe, father arrested in Portland after abduction in Olympia

Two young children, aged 1 and 4, were reported safe after their father was arrested in Portland following an abduction incident in Olympia, Washington. The 24-year-old father had missed a mandatory check-in call during a supervised visit at the Capital Mall, which led the Washington State Patrol to issue an Amber Alert that was later canceled when the children were found safe. He was discovered driving a stolen 2007 Ford Crown Victoria, reported stolen from a minister he had worked with the night before. Portland Police Bureau officers located the vehicle parked nearby and conducted a search that led to the apprehension of the father and the children. The father had previous felony warrants and a history of arrests for car theft.

After the incident, the children were placed in care, and arrangements are being made for their return home. This case underscores ongoing concerns about child safety and parental supervision during visits, while also highlighting the effectiveness of Amber Alerts in protecting vulnerable children.