Arizona Toddler Recovered Thanks to Quick Action by Security Guard and Moving Company Employees
AVONDALE, Ariz. — A two-year-old girl who went missing late Friday night was safely recovered on Sunday after a swift and coordinated effort by a QuikTrip security guard and employees of a local moving company. Kehlani Rogers had been taken by a 23-year-old woman, Marina Noriega, who was known to the family as a recent acquaintance but unrelated to the child.
According to a press release from the Maricopa County Sheriff’s Office, Noriega was booked into the Maricopa County Sheriff’s Office Intake, Transfer and Release facility on a charge of custodial interference, a class 3 felony. The incident unfolded in Avondale, a city within the Phoenix metropolitan area, where the child’s disappearance sparked immediate concern from both authorities and the community.
The toddler’s parents had allowed Noriega, described as a transient, to stay overnight at their home. It was during this time that Noriega allegedly left with Kehlani without permission. The child was reported missing via social media and law enforcement channels, including a widely shared Facebook post on Saturday that alerted the public to her disappearance.
The recovery of Kehlani was made possible through the vigilance of everyday heroes. A security guard working at a QuikTrip convenience store noticed suspicious activity and promptly alerted authorities. Meanwhile, employees from Camelback Moving, a local moving company, played a crucial role in tracking the suspect’s movements. Dashcam footage from the moving company captured key moments that helped law enforcement locate the suspect and the child.
A foreman from Camelback Moving told reporters that his team immediately swung into action upon learning about the missing child. Their quick response and cooperation with law enforcement were instrumental in ensuring Kehlani’s safe return. The collaboration between private citizens and police exemplifies the community’s commitment to child safety and public vigilance.
The Avondale Police Department commended the efforts of the security guard and moving company employees, emphasizing that such partnerships between citizens and law enforcement are vital in resolving cases swiftly. The department’s press release highlighted that Noriega had no familial ties to the child, underscoring the complexity and urgency of the case.
This incident highlights the importance of community awareness and the role of local businesses in supporting public safety. The Arizona Department of Public Safety encourages residents to report suspicious behavior promptly and to cooperate with authorities in missing persons investigations.
For families and communities, the safe recovery of Kehlani Rogers is a relief and a reminder of the power of collective action. The case is now in the hands of the Maricopa County legal system, where Noriega faces charges related to the unlawful taking of the child.
Authorities urge anyone with additional information to contact the Avondale Police Department or the Maricopa County Sheriff’s Office. The swift resolution of this case stands as a testament to the effectiveness of public vigilance and law enforcement collaboration in protecting vulnerable children.
For more information on child safety and reporting procedures, the National Center for Missing & Exploited Children provides resources and guidance to families and communities nationwide.
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