CdA police issue arrest warrant in kidnapping case

A California woman who authorities say helped a 14-year-old Coeur d’Alene girl run away last week will be charged with second-degree kidnapping. Coeur d’Alene Police said they have obtained a warrant to arrest Lillie Alvarado, 45, after she traveled by train on March 1 to Spokane from Bakersfield, Calif., picked up Jaidyn Bendocchi, 14, near her home in Coeur d’Alene and bought her a train ticket back to Bakersfield. Police believe Bendocchi met Alvarado’s 15-year-old son online and Alvarado wanted to help them be together. Police Sgt. Christie Wood said Alvarado has not yet been taken into custody. Coeur d’Alene Police are coordinating efforts with local authorities in Bakersfield. Wood said the warrant is extraditable. Bendocchi was found at Alvarado’s home in Bakersfield on Tuesday. The girl is still in the custody of Child Protective Services of California and arrangements are being made for her return to Coeur d’Alene.