Since 2002, the CHP has issued more than 100 AMBER Alerts and have safely recovered 139 children.

The following abductions met the requirements of Government Code Section 8494 and resulted in the issuance of a regional or statewide Amber Alert.

2002 / 2003 / 2004 / 2005 / 2006 / 2007 / 2008

2002 Amber Alerts

There were 17 AMBER Alerts and 21 recovered children

On August 1, 2002, Los Angeles County Sheriff's Department requested an AMBER Alert for two female victims, 17- and 16-years-old, abducted at gun-point. A Caltrans and animal control worker heard the alert information and observed the suspect vehicle. Kern County Deputies located and confronted the suspect, fatally wounding him in an exchange of gunfire. Both victims were safely recovered.

On August 1, 2002, San Diego Police Department advised a 7-month-old infant was taken when a vehicle was stolen from in front of a residence. After the CHP activated Changeable Message Signs (CMS) and sent out a Technology to Recover Abducted Kids (TRAK) flyer, the victim was safely located and returned to his mother.

On August 2, 2002, San Mateo Sheriff's Department requested an AMBER Alert for a 12-year-old girl reported missing after arriving from Beijing, China at the San Francisco International Airport. The San Francisco Police Department and San Mateo County Sheriff's Department later determined the girl was missing due to defecting to the United States and discontinued treating the incident as an abduction.

On August 3, 2002, West Sacramento Police Department advised an 8-year-old female was abducted after being forced into a vehicle. Changeable Message Signs (CMS) and Highway Advisory Radio (HAR) systems were activated. The victim was recovered safely in the City of Knights Landing after being released by the suspect who is still outstanding.

On August 10, 2002, Coalinga Police Department requested an AMBER Alert for two victims (sisters), 8- and 10-years-old, who were forcibly abducted from their home by their mother's ex-boyfriend. With the assistance of Mexican authorities, the victims were safely located in Mexico.

On August 11, 2002, Los Angeles Police Department advised a 4-year-old victim was abducted by an unknown suspect. The victim was brought to a medical clinic in East Los Angeles, where she was recognized by clinic personnel from a TRAK flyer that was issued. A female suspect was taken into custody and the victim safely recovered.

On August 13, 2002, San Diego Police Department advised the father of the victim reported two armed suspects abducted his child and fled in a vehicle. A regional alert was activated. The suspects were made aware of the alerts and released the victim in the City of San Carlos and fled. The victim was recovered safely and the suspects are still at large.

On August 14, 2002, Turlock Police Department advised two victims, 1- and 3-years-old, were left unattended in a vehicle when an unknown suspect stole the car. Be On the Look Outs were broadcast to local law enforcement. Ceres Police Officers located the vehicle and recovered the victims safely. The suspect fled on foot but was later apprehended and arrested.

On August 20, 2002, Riverside Police Department advised a 10-year-old female was abducted from her bedroom sometime during the night by a suspect formerly employed as a babysitter by the victim's family. A private citizen heard the Amber Alert and provided information that led to the safe recovery of the victim by the Walker River Tribal Police in Hawthorne County, Nevada.

On August 22, 2002, Seaside Police Department advised the 6-year-old victim's father forcibly abducted her from her residence. It was later determined, he dropped her off at a family member's residence. CHP personnel contacted family members in the area to assist in locating the victim. The victim was recovered safely. The suspect is still outstanding.

On August 29, 2002, Bakersfield Police Department advised the 9-year-old victim was abducted from her foster home by her mother, who did not have custody. A statewide AMBER Alert was issued. The victim was recovered safely on August 31, 2002, in San Diego County. The suspect (mother) was arrested by CHP.

On September 3, 2002, Modesto Police Department reported two victims, 7- and 3-years-old, were abducted by their biological father after he threatened to shoot and kill them. A regional AMBER Alert was initiated. After hearing the broadcast on the radio, a citizen recognized the suspect's vehicle and reported it to Elk Grove Police Department who arrested the suspect. The victims were safely recovered.

On October 3, 2002, Los Angeles Police Department advised the suspect assaulted his girlfriend, threatened her with a gun, abducted his 1-year-old son and aunt and fled the scene. An AMBER Alert was activated. On October 4, 2002, both the victim and the aunt were safely recovered in EI Centro, CA, and the suspect was arrested by El Centro Police Department.

On October 27, 2002, El Monte Police Department requested an AMBER Alert for a 4-year-old victim abducted the previous day by a family friend. Los Angeles County Sheriff's Deputies safely located the victim in the City of Industry, CA, and arrested the suspect for child endangerment.

On November 11, 2002, Manteca Police Department advised an acquaintance of the family asked permission from the victim's grandmother to take the 7-year-old victim to dinner, but never returned. A regional AMBER Alert was issued. The suspect observed himself on television, called CHP Stockton Communications Center and turned himself in. The victim was safely recovered.

On December 2, 2002, a suspect fatally shot his wife and fled with his 2-year-old daughter. An AMBER Alert was issued and on December 3, 2002 , the 2-year-old was located unharmed at a relative's house in the City of Lompoc, CA. The suspect is still outstanding.

On December 28, 2002, Pasadena Police Department advised a family acquaintance abducted the 5-year-old victim while he was riding his bicycle. The suspect's family members saw the AMBER Alert on television and provided an address for the suspect in Phoenix , Arizona . On December 29, 2002 , the child was safely recovered in Phoenix and the suspect was arrested.

2003 Amber Alerts

There were 29 AMBER Alerts and 43 recovered children

On January 26, 2003, Los Angeles County Sheriff's Department advised a sleeping 1-year-old was left unattended inside a vehicle when it was stolen. After a search of the area, the stolen vehicle was located abandoned in Norwalk , CA. with the victim still inside. The suspect is still outstanding.

On January 29, 2003, Los Angeles Police Department advised a 15-year-old victim's ex-boyfriend attempted to take her from her residence. When her family attempted to intervene, the suspect fired several shots at them. On January 31, 2003 , Los Angeles Police Department advised they made contact with the victim and determined she left voluntarily with the suspect.

On January 30, 2003, Los Angeles Police Department advised a 4-year-old victim was abducted at gun-point by his biological father and an unknown suspect. While fleeing, the suspect shot at the victim's mother. A citizen saw the alert on television, observed the victim in a parking lot, and safely turned the victim into the Los Angeles Police Department. The suspects are still outstanding.

On February 27, 2003, Gardena Police Department advised a 5-year-old victim was abducted after the suspect attempted to strangle the victim's 1-year-old brother and mother. The suspect's vehicle was located abandoned after being involved in a collision. The victim was located wandering in the street near the collision. The suspect later entered the Los Angeles Police Department and was arrested.

On March 1, 2003, a 14-year-old victim was abducted by an unknown male suspect from Cassopolis , Michigan . Cass County Sheriff's Department initiated an AMBER Alert in Michigan . On March 3, 2003 , the victim and suspect were seen in the southwestern region of Wyoming inquiring about directions to Sacramento , CA . A statewide AMBER Alert was issued in California . On March 24, 2003 , a Susanville CHP Officer located the vehicle, made a traffic stop on it, safely located the victim and arrested the suspect.

On March 11, 2003, Richmond Police Department requested an AMBER Alert for two victims, 5 and 1 years of age, who were abducted by their mother's boyfriend after threatening to shoot himself and the children. The victims were safely located at the suspect's sister's house in San Francisco . The suspect is still outstanding.

On March 11, 2003, Contra Costa Sheriff's Department advised the 12-year-old victim had been abducted from her middle school. An independent tow truck driver assisted the suspect and victim when their car broke down. Believing they were homeless, he provided them shelter at his residence. The next day, the tow driver observed the Changeable Message Signs and realized the vehicle he towed the night before was the suspect's vehicle. He reported the incident to East Los Angeles CHP. Officers responded to his residence and apprehended the suspect and safely recovered the victim.

On March 29, 2003, Los Angeles Police Department advised two victims, 5 and 10 years of age, were abducted at gun-point by their father. The suspect turned himself into Redondo Beach Police Department and the victims were recovered safely.

On April 20, 2003, San Bernardino County Sheriff's Department advised a 1-year-old victim was left sleeping unattended in a vehicle when a family acquaintance stole the car. A San Bernardino CHP officer observed the suspect vehicle at a local motel and obtained room information for the suspect. CHP officers entered the room and located the suspect, her boyfriend, and the victim. The suspects were arrested and the victim safely recovered.

On June 2, 2003, Riverside Police Department advised a 5-year-old victim had been abducted by her father's roommate after he left a note stating he did not like the way the father was raising the child. A statewide AMBER Alert was issued and a DOJ 'stop' was placed on the suspect's vehicle. A citizen in Richfield, Utah, observed a man and small child sitting in front of a church and reported it as suspicious to police. Officer's responded and ran the license plate, which revealed the DOJ stop. They arrested the suspect and safely recovered the victim.

On June 6, 2003, San Jose Police Department advised a citizen came home, discovered the suspect inside her house, and a fight ensued. The suspect grabbed her 9-year-old daughter and fled. A statewide AMBER Alert was activated. The victim was safely recovered in East Palo Alto and the suspect arrested.

On June 11, 2003, Los Angeles Police Department requested an AMBER Alert after a suspect entered the 1-year-old victim's residence, shot his mother's boyfriend, and fled with the victim, dropping the victim off at his aunt's house. After seeing the AMBER Alert on television, the aunt transported the victim to the Los Angeles Police Department. The victim was safely returned to his biological mother and the suspect is still outstanding.

On July 2, 2003, San Bernardino Police Department advised three victims (13, 8 and 1 1/2-years-old) were abducted by their mother/grandmother, who did not have custody of the children. The suspect entered a relative's residence and forcefully took her daughter and two grandchildren. San Bernardino Police Officers stopped the vehicle and arrested the suspect and the victims were safely recovered.

On July 18, 2003, Fairfield Police Department advised three victims - a 21-year-old, a 13-year-old, and 3-month-old infant - were abducted after the 21-year-olds estranged boyfriend forcibly entered the residence. A multi-regional AMBER Alert was activated. A Redding CHP unit stopped the suspect vehicle and arrested the suspect and the victims were safely recovered.

On July 18, 2003, Sacramento County Sheriff's Department advised three children (8, 4, and 2-years-old) were abducted by their biological father after he murdered his wife. On July 19, 2003 , a Napa County Sheriff's Deputy observed a suspicious vehicle parked at the Napa Police Department shooting range. A license check revealed that the vehicle was wanted. A Napa CHP Officer, who responded to assist, heard the alert information and recognized the suspicious vehicle from the alert. The children were safely recovered.

On July 19, 2003, Long Beach Police Department advised a 1-year-old victim was abducted after the mother's boyfriend physically assaulted her. Long Beach Police Department contacted the suspect and convinced him to return the victim. The suspect took the victim to a relative, who in turn took the victim to the police department. The victim was returned to her mother and the suspect is still outstanding.

On July 29, 2003, Oceanside Police Department requested an AMBER Alert for a 3-year-old victim forcibly taken at knife-point from his mother's vehicle by unknown suspects. On July 30, 2003 , the victim was safely recovered when a relative, working as a janitor at a closed gas station, heard a knock on the station's door and observed a hooded subject pointing to the ground outside. He opened the door, observed the subject fleeing in a vehicle and found the victim lying unharmed on the ground. The victim was safely returned to his mother and the suspects are still outstanding.

On August 19, 2003, Garden Grove Police Department advised two children, 5 and 3 years of age, were abducted on August 17, 2003 , by their biological father who failed to return them after visitation. The father stated he would take them out of state and poison them if police were called. On August 22, 2003 , the suspect and victims were located in Mexico City , Mexico . Garden Grove Police Department is working with the FBI for their safe return.

On August 20, 2003, Los Angeles Sheriff's Department advised the victims, 1-month and 1-year-old, were abducted by their biological father after he assaulted his wife and threatened to kill the children. A friend observed the AMBER Alert on television, called the suspect and convinced him to turn himself in. The suspect subsequently turned himself into Las Vegas Metro Police Department. Both victims were safely recovered.

On August 30, 2003, Los Angeles Police Department advised two children, 6-years and 2-years-old, were unlawfully taken by their parents from a Child Protective Services (CPS) Office. On August 31, 2003, Los Angeles Police Department cancelled the AMBER Alert as the victims were located unharmed in Mexico.

On August 30, 2003, Pleasanton Police Department advised the 2-year-old victim and her mother were abducted by the victim's biological father after he threatened to kill them if criminal charges were not dropped against him for prior offenses. The suspect dropped the victims off at a Kaiser Hospital and fled. The suspect is still outstanding.

On September 9, 2003, San Bernardino Sheriff's Department requested an AMBER Alert for a 17-year-old victim abducted by her boyfriend after her parents discovered she was involved in a sexual relationship with the suspect and threatened to call the police. A private citizen heard the alert on the radio, observed the suspect vehicle, and called the police. Officer's responded, arrested the suspect, and safely recovered the victim.

On October 3, 2003, Mountain View Police Department advised the 4-year-old victim's biological father (former boyfriend of the victim's mother) threatened the victim's mother with a gun demanding she leave with him. When she refused and entered her residence to call the police, the suspect grabbed the victim and fled. On October 4, 2003, the suspect's current girlfriend saw the alert on television, went to a residence where she thought the suspect might be, and located the victim. The victim was safely recovered and the subject was later apprehended.

On October 6, 2003, Covina Police Department advised the suspect removed his two sons, 14 and 17-years-old, from their high school under false pretenses. The oldest son escaped when they stopped to eat. Covina Police Department canceled the alert after learning the suspect and other victim were at a relative's home in Mexico . The victim told authorities he wanted to stay in Mexico .

On October 27, 2003, Riverside Sheriff's Department advised the suspect entered his former residence, battered his estranged wife, threatened her with a gun, and took his four children (1 month, 3, 4, and 6-years-old) and fled. The alert was canceled when the suspect's sister drove the children back to their residence and safely returned them to their mother. The suspect is still at large.

On November 3, 2003, Los Angeles County Sheriff's Department requested an AMBER Alert when the suspect, a family friend, requested to take the 10-year-old victim to a local store and return, but failed to do so. On November 5, 2003, a citizen who saw the alert observed the suspect and victim in Los Angeles. Los Angeles Police officers responded, arrested the suspect, and safely recovered the victim.

On November 11, 2003, San Jose Police Department advised three girls from a group home used a knife to overtake a group home employee and abducted another 15-year-old female juvenile from the home. On November 11, 2003 , one suspect was arrested in Stockton , CA . On November 12, 2003 , as a result of the alert, Ventura Police Department located the victim and the two additional suspects. The suspects were taken into custody. The victim was safely returned to the group home.

On November 24, 2003, National City Police Department requested an AMBER Alert for a 4-year-old victim that was left unattended in his mother's running vehicle when it was stolen. The stolen vehicle was located abandoned in National City, CA, with the unharmed victim inside. The suspect is still outstanding.

On November 24, 2003, Hoffman Estates Police Department, Illinois, issued a statewide AMBER Alert for a 4-year-old victim forcibly abducted from her grandmother's house by her biological parents. Prior to activation of the Illinois AMBER Alert, the suspects attempted to enter into Canada. On November 24, 2003, the victim's mother telephoned relatives in Illinois and Caller ID traced the number to a public pay phone in East Los Angeles, CA. A statewide AMBER Alert was issued in California. After seeing the abduction information on Changeable Message Signs, the biological father dropped the mother and victim off at the Los Angles Police Department's Central Division Station and fled. The father is still outstanding.

2004 Amber Alerts

There were 20 AMBER Alerts and 25 recovered children

On January 5, 2004, Eureka Police Department advised two victims, 15-years and 11-years-old, were abducted by their biological mother and aunt - neither having custody. They grabbed one of the victims as she exited a school bus and summoned the other victim out of a classroom. The alert was canceled when the suspects turned themselves in and the children were safely recovered in Lovelock, Nevada .

On March 3, 2004, Madera County Sheriff's Department advised that two unknown suspects forced their way into a residence, assaulted the 1-year-old victim's father, bound him with duct tape and fled with the victim. Fresno County Sheriff's Deputies located the victim and suspect at a residence in Kerman, CA. The suspect was arrested and the victim safely returned to his father.

On March 19, 2004, Jackson County Sheriff's Department, Oregon , issued an AMBER Alert for a parental abduction of a 5-month-old victim with respiratory problems. The mother left with the victim to move back to California without the victim's medication or breathing apparatus. Due to the victim's medical condition, an AMBER Alert was issued. Family members who heard the AMBER Alert message called the suspect. She entered the Chico CHP Office to inquire why an AMBER Alert had been issued. After it was determined no charges would be filed by the Shady Cove Police Department, the suspect and victim were released.

On April 23, 2004, Eugene Police Department , Oregon , advised that the 16-year-old victim left a church function with the suspect but never returned home. Previous statements form the suspect indicating he intended to take the victim to Mexico prompted an AMBER Alert in California . On April 24, 2004 , the suspect and victim were located in Oroville , Washington . The suspect was arrested and the victim was safely recovered.

On April 29, 2004, Cathedral City Police Department requested an AMBER Alert after the victim's father was awarded custody of his 1-year-old daughter and went to the mother's residence to obtain custody, but both were gone. A regional AMBER Alert was issued. After seeing the alert information, the suspect surrendered to authorities at the U.S.-Mexico Border. The victim was safely recovered and returned to her father.

On April 30, 2004, Placerville Police Department requested an AMBER Alert for a 14-year-old victim who left for school in the morning then called home advising she was going to Mexico with the suspect. Placerville Police Department canceled the alert when the victim walked into the Los Angeles Sheriff's Sylmar substation. The suspect is still outstanding.

On May 8, 2004, Corona Police Department advised that the aunt of the 15-year-old victim met with the suspect to pay him to smuggle the victim across the Mexican border. When the aunt did not give the suspect the amount of money he wanted, the suspect abducted and fled with the victim. On May 9, 2004 , Corona Police Department set up an undercover meeting with the suspect to "pay the rest of the money." The suspect was subsequently arrested and the victim safely recovered.

On May 12, 2004, Ontario Police Department requested an AMBER Alert for a 9-month-old victim who was abducted by his biological father after the victim's mother and father became engaged in a physical altercation. Ontario Police Department canceled the alert when the victim was dropped off at the suspect's parent's residence. The suspect is still outstanding.

On June 26, 2004, Los Angeles Sheriff's Department advised that the 4-year-old victim's mother and grandmother became engaged in a verbal altercation during which the grandmother pushed the mother out of the vehicle and drove off with the victim. An AMBER Alert was issued and then canceled when Los Angeles Sheriff's Deputies safely recovered the victim and arrested the grandmother when she arrived home.

On July 2, 2004, Los Angeles Police Department requested an AMBER Alert for a 7-year-old who was abducted by her biological father after the victim's mother discovered he had molested the victim. The suspect dropped the victim off at his parent's residence who took the victim to their attorney. The attorney turned the victim over to the Los Angeles Police Department. The suspect is still outstanding.

On July 10, 2004, San Jose Police Department advised the 17-year-old victim's ex-boyfriend rammed his car into the victim's parent's house and forcibly took the victim from the residence. An AMBER Alert was issued. San Jose Police Department canceled the alert when the suspect was located and arrested and the victim safely recovered.

On August 8, 2004, Antioch Police Department advised the 3-year-old victim's older sister, who had legal custody/guardianship of the victim, returned home and found the victim's biological mother had forcibly entered the residence and abducted the victim. A Caltrans employee observed the suspect vehicle and called the CHP. CHP units attempted to stop the vehicle and a pursuit ensued. The suspect finally stopped in San Luis Obispo , CA , where she was arrested. The victim was safely recovered.

On September 13, 2004, Oakland Police Department requested an AMBER Alert for a 9-month-old baby whose father threatened to kill the child's mother and stated he would not be taken alive if law enforcement was contacted. Changeable Message Signs were activated in the San Francisco and Sacramento Areas. On September 17, 2004, the suspect was arrested by Sacramento Police and the victims were recovered safely.

On September 13, 2004, San Bernardino County Sheriff's Department requested an AMBER Alert for a 2-year-old victim who was abducted by a family acquaintance while the victim's father was taking a shower. Ontario Police Department safely recovered the child when the suspect observed the AMBER Alert on television and took the victim to his grandmother's residence in Ontario , CA . The suspect is still outstanding.

On September 28, 2004, Los Angeles Police Department advised a 6-month-old victim was abducted by her biological mother who had no custodial rights and had an active restraining order in effect barring her from having contact with the victim. On September 29, 2004 , the suspect, victim, and the suspect's attorney walked into the Los Angeles Police Department, Hollywood Division, to resolve the matter. The suspect was not arrested and no charges were filed.

On October 25, 2004, Rialto Police Department advised two 5-year-old and one 3-year-old victims were abducted from their custodial grandparent's house by their biological mother during a visitation. A citizen heard the AMBER Alert on the radio, observed the suspect vehicle in East Los Angeles , and called the police. The female driver located in the suspect vehicle advised she was a friend of the suspect and led law enforcement to the suspect's boyfriend's house in Lynnwood , CA , where officers entered the residence and arrested the suspect and her boyfriend. The victims were safely recovered and returned to their grandparents.

On November 14, 2004, Los Angeles Sheriff's Department advised that a 4-year-old victim was abducted by her mother's boyfriend who was upset over a recent break up with the mother. A Sheriff's Deputy stopped the suspect vehicle and arrested the suspect. The victim was safely recovered.

On December 21, 2004, Hayward Police Department requested an AMBER Alert for a 13-year-old victim who was abducted by her biological father. The suspect had a history of domestic violence, child neglect/abuse, and a prior child abduction conviction involving the victim. On December 22, 2004 , Oakland Police Department safely recovered the victim. The suspect is still outstanding.

On December 23, 2004, Los Angeles Police Department requested an AMBER Alert for an 8-month-old, 3-year-old, and 4-year-old victim who were abducted by their biological mother's sister who had a criminal history of drug abuse and was considered delusional. A citizen observed a vehicle stopped in a traffic lane on a city street and noticed the driver appeared to be mentally disturbed. When officers arrived, they found the suspect sitting in a vehicle and arrested her. The three victims were located and safely returned.

On December 30, 2004, Contra Costa Sheriff's Department advised that the 14-year-old victim was abducted from his residence at gun-point by a stranger. On December 31, 2004 , the victim called 911 from a public telephone stating the suspect released him at a gas station in San Leandro , CA . The suspect is still at large.

2005 Amber Alerts

There were 20 AMBER Alerts and 23 recovered children

On January 7, 2005, Los Angeles Police Department requested an AMBER Alert for a 2-year-old victim abducted from his residence by two strangers. The father recently lost custody of the children and was thought to be involved in the abduction. On January 9, 2005 , after seeing the alert information on the local news, the biological father walked into the Los Angeles Police Department with the victim and turned himself in. The victim was turned over to Child Protective Services.

On January 14, 2005, Los Angeles Police Department requested an AMBER Alert for a 6-year-old victim abducted by force from her elementary school classroom by her biological drug addicted, mentally unstable mother. A Montebello Police Officer located the suspect and victim at a motel in Azusa , CA . The suspect was arrested and the victim safely recovered.

On January 17, 2005, Delano Police Department requested an AMBER Alert for an 11-year-old victim who was abducted from her elementary school. The suspect threatened family members he was going to take the victim to Mexico to marry her. Santa Maria Police Department responded to an address known to be frequented by the suspect and located the suspect. The suspect was arrested and the victim safely recovered.

On January 28, 2005, Contra Costa County Sheriff's Department advised a 5-year-old autistic boy abducted by his biological father who was unable to administer required medication to the victim. After seeing the alert information on Changeable Message Signs, the suspect drove into a gas station in Coalinga , CA , and surrendered to Coalinga CHP Officers. The victim was safely recovered.

On January 30, 2005, Rialto Police Department advised the 6-year-old victim was left unattended in a vehicle which was stolen by an unknown suspect. On January 31, 2005 , the victim woke up in the stolen vehicle which was abandoned in Rialto , CA . The victim approached a resident stating she was hungry. The resident notified the Rialto Police Department who safely returned the victim to her family. The suspect is still outstanding.

On February 24, 2005, Napa Police Department requested an AMBER Alert for two victims, 12-years and 11-years-old. The victims were abducted by their mentally unstable mother who vandalized her home, and built 'shrines' for her children which included flowers, the children's personal effects, and photographs of the children with their faces blackened out. On February 24, 2005 , one of the victims had been left unattended in a hotel room for several hours, became scared, and telephoned the front desk. Napa Police responded and arrested the suspect when she returned to the hotel. Both children were safely recovered.

On March 2, 2005, Sacramento Police Department requested an AMBER Alert for a 3-year-old victim who was abducted by a live-in babysitter. The suspect observed the AMBER Alert on television and turned himself in to law enforcement. The victim was safely located.

On March 2, 2005, Stockton Police Department advised the 12-year-old victim's parents returned home and discovered the suspect committing a sexual assault on the victim. The suspect threatened to kill the parents if they called the police and fled with the victim. An AMBER Alert was activated. On March 3, 2005 , a citizen observed the suspect and victim in Tracy , CA . The citizen believed they were homeless, and offered to take them to her home for a hot meal. While cooking dinner, she observed the AMBER Alert and called Tracy Police Department who responded and arrested the suspect. The victim was safely returned to her family.

On April 4, 2005, Bakersfield Police Department requested an AMBER Alert for 13 and 5-year-old girls, abducted by their father after he assaulted their mother and other family members with a box cutter. A citizen observed the suspect vehicle and recognized it as being wanted as part of the AMBER Alert. The citizen provided the Kern County Sheriff's Department with the information. Deputies located the vehicle, arrested the suspect, and safely recovered the victims.

On April 23, 2005, Long Beach Police Department activated an AMBER Alert. The victim's mother was driving with the victim when she stopped to speak with the suspect. The suspect physically forced his way into the vehicle and ordered the victim's mother to drive away. The victim's mother had a restraining order against the suspect as the suspect had threatened to kill her. The victim and suspect were located a few blocks away and the suspect was taken into custody.

On July 6, 2005, San Diego Police Department requested an AMBER Alert for a 2-year-old female. The victim's mother parked her vehicle in a parking lot and left the keys in the ignition. The suspect stole the vehicle with the victim inside still belted in her car seat. Approximately an hour later the vehicle was located with the victim seated in her car seat. The suspect is still outstanding.

On July 23, 2005, Lyon County, Nevada, Sheriff's Department requested an AMBER Alert for the San Diego region for an 8-year-old female. The victim's mother's boyfriend abducted the child, took her clothing, and the family dog. Further, the suspect was determined to be a registered sex offender. The victim was safely recovered in Mexico with the assistance of Mexican authorities.

On July 28, 2005, Fontana Police Department requested an AMBER Alert for a 4-year-old female. The victim's uncle stated he parked his vehicle in a parking lot and left the keys in the ignition. The suspect stole the vehicle with the victim still inside belted in her seat. Approximately one hour later, the reporting party admitted to lying about his niece being in the vehicle. He falsely reported the abduction in order to get his vehicle back more rapidly, and was subsequently arrested for filing a false report.

On September 4, 2005, Fontana Police Department requested an AMBER Alert for a 1-year-old male. The victim's mother stopped at a local gas station to put air into her vehicle's tires. She left her infant son inside the vehicle with the engine running. As she was putting air into the tires, she observed an unknown male enter her vehicle and drive off with the victim still inside. Later that evening, a private citizen, who watched the AMBER Alert information on the evening news, observed the vehicle and suspect driving through town. He contacted the Fontana Police Department, who responded and located the vehicle and victim, abandoned in a parking lot of a truck stop. The victim was safely recovered and the suspect is still outstanding.

On September 6, 2005, Hemet Police Department requested an AMBER Alert for two male victims, a 6-year-old and a 13-year-old. The suspect, the biological father, did not have custodial rights. Further, he took two knives with him and threatened to kill the boys then commit suicide. Approximately 6 hours later, the suspect surrendered himself and his two sons to the Hemet Police Department.

On September 20, 2005, Los Angeles Sheriff's Department activated an AMBER Alert for a 3-year-old male. The victim was abducted by his suicidal biological father. The father/suspect threatened to take his life as well as his son's life. The Los Angeles Sheriff's Department set up surveillance on the suspect's mother's house when he was observed entering her house. The suspect was taken into custody and the victim was returned to his mother.

On October 1, 2005, Glendale Police Department requested an AMBER Alert for two female victims, a 5-year-old and a 6-year-old. The victims were abducted by their biological mother, who did not have custodial rights, and who was described by the Police Department as being abusive. An AMBER Alert was issued in LA County. Having seen the suspect vehicle information on a changeable message sign, a citizen located the vehicle at a laundry mat in Pico Rivera, CA. Los Angeles County Sheriff's Department responded, arrested the suspect, and safely recovered the children.

On October 2, 2005, a witness saw the license plate of the suspect vehicle on the changeable message signs, then saw the suspect vehicle at a laundry mat in Pico Rivera, CA. The suspect was taken into custody and the children were safely recovered and returned to their grandmother.

On October 2, 2005, Los Angeles Sheriff's Department activated an AMBER Alert for an 11-year-old female. The victim's biological father abducted the victim and her mother at gun point and forced them into his vehicle. On October 3, 2005, the suspect's vehicle was located in a hotel parking lot in Whittier, CA. The Los Angeles Sheriff's Department conducted surveillance at the hotel, located and took the suspect into custody, and safely recovered the victim.

On November, 14, 2005, the Oregon State Police (OSP) issued an AMBER Alert on behalf of the Hillsboro, OR, Police Department. The AMBER Alert was for a 4-year-old male victim that was taken by force from his mother at a bus stop. It was believed the suspects were en route to Southern, CA. OSP requested the CHP to issue an AMBER Alert in CA. On November 15, 2005, the suspect vehicle was located by citizens who saw the suspect vehicle information broadcast on the freeway Changeable Message Signs. CHP Redding Area officers located the suspect vehicle, apprehended the suspects, and safely recovered the victim.

2006 Amber Alerts

There have been 14 AMBER Alerts and 15 recovered children

On April 10, 2006, the San Bernardino County Sheriff's Department requested assistance with issuing an AMBER Alert for a 17-month-old boy and a 3-year-old girl. The father of one of the victims, shot the children's mother (his estranged wife), and then abducted both children. The adult female survived the gunshot wound and; shortly after the AMBER Alert was issued, the children were safely recovered at their grandmother's residence.

On May 13, 2006, the Stockton Police Department requested an Amber Alert for a 16-year-old female abducted during a home invasion robbery. A multi-regional Amber Alert was issued. As a result of activating the changeable message signs, the victim was safely recovered and the two suspects were arrested by the CHP near Bakersfield, CA.

On May 19, 2006, the San Bernardino County Sheriff's Department requested assistance with issuing an AMBER Alert for an 18-month-old boy who was abducted with his aunt (who was the suspect's estranged wife). The suspect was still outstanding and wanted for the incident involving the AMBER Alert that was issued on April 10, 2006. The 18-month-old child was safely recovered; however, the child's aunt'the suspect's wife'was found murdered. On May 20, 2006, the suspect was found deceased, due to an apparent self-inflicted gunshot wound.

On May 31, 2006, the Corona Police Department requested an AMBER Alert for a 10-month-old girl, who was abducted from her home along with her mother, by the victim's biological father. An AMBER Alert was issued in Los Angeles, Ventura, Riverside and San Bernardino Counties. In anticipation of the suspect going to a residence, Los Angeles Police Department was able to take the suspect into custody and both victims were recovered safely.

On June 11, 2006, the San Diego Police Department requested an AMBER Alert for a 19-month-old girl who was abducted by her mother's estranged husband, not her biological father. The victim was seen being abducted from her residence by the suspect where her mother was found murdered a day later. A multi-regional AMBER Alert was issued. The mother of the suspect safely recovered the victim in Mexico and turned her over to the Mexican Authorities and the FBI. The suspect was still outstanding at the time of the recovery.

On June 28, 2006, the Los Angeles Sheriff's Department activated a local AMBER Alert for a 3-year-old female who was abducted by her babysitter (known drug user). The CHP assisted with activating changeable message signs in the region. On 06/29/06, the victim was safely recovered and the suspect was arrested by the Los Angeles Sheriff's Department in Los Angeles County.

On August 21, 2006, the Sacramento Sheriff's Department requested an AMBER Alert for a 7-year-old girl who was abducted by her mother's boyfriend, who was not the biological father. The suspect stabbed his girlfriend then abducted the victim. A multi-regional AMBER Alert was activated. The victim was returned to a family member, who brought the victim back to the scene. The suspect was still outstanding at the time of the recovery.

On September 3, 2006, the Los Angeles County Sheriff's Department issued an AMBER Alert on behalf of the Los Angeles Police Department for a 13-year-old child that was forcibly abducted by his non-custodial father. The next day the father dropped the child off at a train station and the child was safely recovered.

On September 11, 2006, the Los Angeles County Sheriff Department (LASD) requested an AMBER Alert for a 5-month-old Hispanic female. The mother of the victim arranged for a friend to abduct the child from her custodial foster parents by force. A multi-regional AMBER Alert was issued with changeable message signs activated. The mother of the child fled to Mexico and is currently living there with the child.  The child is not believed to be in any danger at this point, and the LASD considers this case "solved." 

On October 15, 2006, the Los Angeles County Sheriff's Department requested an Amber Alert for a 7-year-old male child. The children, along with his mother, were possibly abducted by the mother's estranged husband on October 14, 2006. As a result, a multi-regional Amber Alert was issued in Southern California. The suspect vehicle was stopped by Rancho Cucamonga CHP Officers who located the victims safely inside. At this time, the suspect is still outstanding.

On October 17, 2006, the Oakland Police Department requested an AMBER Alert for a 2-year-old male who was abducted at gunpoint along with his mother by the victim's father. A multi-regional AMBER Alert was issued. The child was dropped off with a family member. A private citizen located the suspect vehicle and called 911. The suspect vehicle was stopped by the CHP, who located the mother of the victim. The suspect was still outstanding at the time of recovery.

On October 20, 2006, the Victorville Oakland Police Department requested an AMBER Alert for a 3-year-old boy and a 1-year-old girl who were forcibly abducted along with their mother by her estranged boyfriend. A multi-regional AMBER Alert was issued. The children and mother were located by San Bernardino County Sheriff's Department and the suspect was taken into custody.

On November 5, 2006, Beaumont Police Department requested an AMBER Alert for a 15-year-old male who was kidnapped and held to settle a debt. A multi-regional AMBER Alert was coordinated by the CHP. The kidnappers made contact with a relative of the victim, negotiated the child's release, and the child was safely recovered several hours later. The suspects are still outstanding.

On November 9, 2006, the suspect abducted his six-year-old boy in violation of court ordered custody restrictions. Prior to the abduction, the suspect violently assaulted the victim's sister and mother, and threatened a neighbor with a hand gun. An AMBER Alert was issued at the request of Fremont Police Department. The suspect vehicle was located traveling on I-5 near the CHP Cottonwood Inspection Facility by Red Bluff CHP officers. A pursuit ensued and the suspect vehicle became disabled. The suspect surrendered to the CHP without further incident and the victim was safely recovered.

2007 Amber Alerts

There have been 12 AMBER Alerts and 15 recovered children

On March 18, 2007 , the Los Angeles County Sheriff's Department activated an AMBER Alert for a 4-year-old boy. The mother, who was reported as the biological mother of the victim, shot and fatally wounded the victim's uncle, and fled with the child. The CHP initially assisted with the activation of Changeable Message Signs in Los Angeles County and along the suspected route of travel. Los Angeles County Sheriff's Department and Las Vegas Metropolitan Police Department personnel arrested the suspect and safely recovered the child in Las Vegas, NV.

On July 06, 2007, at approximately 1430 hours, a 2004 GMC Yukon was stolen with a 5-year-old boy still inside. The San Rafael Police Department requested an AMBER Alert and searched the area for the vehicle and abducted child. Approximately one hour later, the stolen vehicle was located with the child still inside and unharmed. The suspect has not been located.

On July 08, 2007, at approximately 0130 hours, a 10-year-old boy was abducted by the boyfriend of the victim's mother. The suspect had a history of violence and was believed to be armed with a shotgun. The Riverside County Sheriff Department requested an AMBER Alert to assist with locating the child. On July 08, 2007, at approximately 1000 hours, the suspect was made aware of the issued AMBER Alert and returned the child to his mother. The suspect was then arrested by the Riverside County Sheriff Department.

On August 20, 2007, San Bernardino Police Department requested, and the CHP assisted with issuing, an AMBER Alert for the southern portion of California. Sometime on August 19, 2007, the suspect entered the residence of his ex-wife and murdered the ex-wife's boyfriend. After committing the murder, the suspect drove to his mother's house in Rialto, CA, and took his four children; the suspect and children could not be located. Fearing for the children's safety, San Bernardino Police Department requested the AMBER Alert. A citizen who was traveling on a freeway and saw the AMBER Alert displayed on Changeable Message Signs spotted the suspect vehicle. The citizen phoned 911 and followed the vehicle until Rancho Cucamonga Area CHP officers could intercept it. The CHP stopped the vehicle, arrested the suspect, and safely recovered the children.

On September 15, 2007, Barstow Police Department requested an AMBER Alert for an 8-year-old male who was abducted by his mother's estranged boyfriend. A multi-regional AMBER Alert was issued. Approximately one hour after the issuance of the AMBER Alert, both the child and suspect were safely located in Victorville, CA. Detectives from the Barstow Police Department credit family members of the suspect for helping with location both the child and suspect. 

On September 21, 2007, the victim, a 2-year-old male was sitting in the back seat of a vehicle which was left running in the driveway of a residence in Whittier, CA. An unidentified suspect stole the vehicle with the victim still in the back seat. A local AMBER Alert was issued. Approximately two hours later, an anonymous caller reported an abandoned vehicle in the city of Los Angeles. The Los Angeles Police Department responded to the location and safely recovered the victim who was still seated in the vehicle.

On September 27, 2007, the Brea Police Department requested an AMBER Alert for a 15-year-old female, who was forcibly taken from a social event by her 18-year-old ex-boyfriend. An AMBER Alert was issued in various counties between Orange County and Amador County, in anticipation of the suspect going to an address located in Amador County. After obtaining updates on possible locations, a CHP unit observed the suspect vehicle in the Los Banos Area. An enforcement stop was made and the suspect was taken into custody and the victim was safely recovered.

On October 5, 2007, a 12-year-old male victim in the city of Riverside, California, was last seen talking on a pay phone while on his way to school. Authorities developed information that led them to believe the victim was abducted by someone who knew him. An Amber Alert was issued, and on October 7, 2007, at approximately 0200 hours a citizen observed the suspect vehicle driving on the freeway. CHP units responded and safely recovered the victim and took the suspect into custody.

On October 13, 2007, Sacramento County Sheriff’s Department requested an AMBER Alert for a 7-month-old female who was abducted by an unknown suspect. The child was sitting in the rear of a vehicle when the suspect stole the vehicle. A local AMBER Alert was issued in Sacramento County. Approximately 20 minutes after the issuance of the AMBER Alert, the suspect crashed the vehicle in the city of Citrus Heights. Deputies found the child asleep in the rear of the vehicle. The suspect is still outstanding.

On October 19, 2007, El Cerrito Police Department requested an AMBER Alert for a 4-month-old female who was abducted by her mother's estranged boyfriend. The ex-boyfriend forced himself into the mother's house, physically restrained her, then abducted the victim. A regional AMBER Alert was issued. Less than two hours after the issuance of the AMBER Alert, both the child and suspect were safely located in San Francisco, CA.

On November 13, 2007, Banning Police Department requested an AMBER Alert for a 6-year-old female who was abducted by an unknown suspect. The child was within her school playground when the suspect contacted her, and subsequently kidnaped her from the school. A Regional AMBER Alert was issued in Southern California. Approximately 3 hours after the issuance of the AMBER Alert, a Banning Police Officer observed the vehicle and initiated a traffic stop. The suspect was taken into custody and the victim was safely recovered.

On December 8, 2007, Inglewood Police Department requested an AMBER Alert for a 17-year-old female who was abducted by a 24-year-old male suspect. The suspect is a known gang member by local authorities in the Inglewood area. The suspect lured the female victim into his vehicle and then refused to let her out. As a result, a regional AMBER Alert was issued by the Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department. The California Highway Patrol assisted with the activation of the changeable message signs in the region. Approximately two hour’s after the issuance of the AMBER Alert, both the victim and the suspect were safely located sitting inside a restaurant in Anaheim, CA.

2008 Amber Alerts

There has been 7 AMBER Alerts, and 7 children found.

On February 13, 2008, Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department requested an AMBER Alert for 3 children, ages 1, 9, and 11. The children were abducted at gun point by their non-custodial, biological parents. A multi-regional AMBER Alert was issued. On February 14, 2008, the Los Angeles Sheriff’s Department canceled the alert, as it was determined that the original claims were unfounded.

On February 16, 2008, Fresno Police Department requested an Amber Alert due to the abduction of a 3 month old male in the City of Fresno. The infant was in his mother’s vehicle when it was stolen. During the process of full Amber Alert activation, the child was located by the Fresno Police Department, unharmed, in the abandoned vehicle. The suspect is still outstanding.

On March 8, 2008, Chula Vista Police Department requested an AMBER Alert for a 16-year-old female who was abducted by a 20-year-old male suspect. The suspect abducted the victim at knife point after hiding in the bushes outside her parent’s home. As a result, a local AMBER Alert was issued in San Diego County. With assistance from the California Highway Patrol and Mexican law enforcement authorities, the suspect and victim were located in Tijuana and returned to the United States; the suspect was arrested and the victim safely returned to her parents.

On March 13, 2008, Pomona Police Department requested an AMBER Alert for a 3-month-old male who was abducted by his biological father (suspect). The suspect who was armed with a handgun made threats to the mother of the victim over the phone advising he was going to kill himself and the victim. As a result, a local AMBER Alert was issued in Los Angeles County. Shortly after the issuance of the AMBER Alert, the suspect safely returned the victim to his grandmother. The suspect is still outstanding.

On March 15, 2008, El Dorado County Sheriff’s Department requested an AMBER Alert for a 2-year-old male who was abducted by his father. The suspect attacked his girlfriend with an axe then kidnaped their son. As a result, a multi-regional AMBER Alert was issued. Several hours later, the suspect was located by the Tuolumne County Sheriff’s Department. After an exhaustive search, the victim was found deceased.

On March 19, 2008, Bakersfield Police Department requested an AMBER Alert for a 9 year old boy who was allegedly abducted by a stranger. The victim was reported kidnapped by a male wearing black clothing and a face mask armed with a handgun. The suspect supposedly chased the victim on foot and forced him into a vehicle. Several hours later, the witness admitted to fabricating the story of the abduction. He advised he and the victim were playing in a dirt tunnel in a field when the tunnel collapsed onto the victim. Unfortunately, the victim perished in the accident. Based on this information, the AMBER Alert was cancelled.

On March 23, 2008, the Delano Police Department requested an Amber Alert due to the result of a stranger abduction of a 16 year old Hispanic female. The victim and her boyfriend were walking when they were assaulted by three unknown suspects. After physically assaulting the victim’s boyfriend, the suspects forcibly took the victim and fled the scene. During the Amber Alert activation, the victim was released by her abductors and recovered by Delano Police Department. The suspects are still outstanding.