A Winnipeg child at the center of an Amber Alert has been found safe, police confirmed Friday afternoon. The alert was triggered earlier in the day following the abduction of the 2-year-old, leading to a swift response from the Winnipeg Police Service.
According to police, the child was located after a tip came in around 1:30 PM, describing a woman and child matching the descriptions of the suspect and victim. The call originated near the intersection of McPhillips Street and Logan Avenue, where officers quickly apprehended two female suspects.
While the exact location of the child’s recovery hasn’t been disclosed, witnesses report finding the toddler in a local restaurant, believing staff members alerted authorities. A photograph taken by a witness shows the area where the child was reportedly found by police. CBC News provides further coverage of the event.
Police confirmed that a vehicle was involved, but details remain scarce. The investigation revealed the incident stemmed from a dispute between the suspects and the child’s biological mother. Officer Stephen Spencer revealed during a press conference that a weapon was present and a physical altercation occurred between one of the suspects and the mother, prompting the Amber Alert.
Officer Spencer lauded the effectiveness of the Amber Alert system, stating, “Many of the calls we receive don’t necessarily pertain to the person we’re looking for, but thanks to all these calls, we were ultimately able to locate this child and the suspect.”
Authorities clarified that there is no familial connection between the suspects and the child, and the motives behind the abduction remain unknown, as does the intended destination of the suspects. One of the suspects is known to law enforcement. Investigators are currently consulting with prosecutors to determine the appropriate charges.
The investigation is being led by the Major Crimes Unit. This incident highlights the critical importance of community vigilance and the rapid response capabilities of law enforcement in protecting vulnerable children. For more information on Amber Alerts and how they work, visit the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children.
