A missing 7-year-old Colorado Springs girl who was the focus of an Amber Alert was found safe Wednesday night in Aurora.
The girl, America Arellano, was reported missing at around 8:30 a.m. from Carver Elementary School. The Amber Alert was issued just before 2:30 p.m.
According to a news release from the Colorado Springs police department, America’s mom, Wendy Arellano, went into the girl’s elementary school, walked into her classroom and walked out with the girl.
Police believe they left the area on foot and then drove away in a metallic grey sedan with dark tinted windows.
The girl’s mother lost her parental rights in January, according to the Amber Alert. Wendy Arellano has a history of mental health issues, “and she is believed to be a danger to the welfare of the child,” the alert said.
A man, 32-year-old Heriberto Gonzalez Hernandez, was believed to be with the girl and Arellano.
At about 7:20 p.m. Aurora police responded to the 1300 block of South Geneva Way as part of the Amber Alert investigation.
Wendy Arellano was then arrested on suspicion of 2nd degree kidnapping.
Aurora police said that, during the arrest, Arellano assaulted an officer by kicking him the chest.
Police said Wednesday night that they’re still “interested in contacting…Hernandez” and investigators are looking for a vehicle associated with him.
The parental kidnapping investigation is ongoing. Anyone with information about the incident is asked to call the police department at 719-444-7000 or Crime Stoppers at 719-634-STOP (7867).
Yesenia Robles: 303-954-1372, yrobles@denverpost.com or @yeseniarobles
