Imperiled Washington children recovered safe in South Dakota

KIMBALL, S.D. – South Dakota authorities say two children taken from their Washington state home by their father are safe, and the father has been charged.

South Dakota’s Department of Public Safety issued an Amber Alert late Monday for the children from Maple Valley, Washington. Authorities say 38-year-old father Paul Brown had left with the 1- and 3-year-old children Friday, and the 3-year-old has life-threatening medical conditions.

Authorities didn’t release details of the circumstances of the departure except to say Brown had left home with only a diaper bag, and the 3-year-old’s health was believed to be in jeopardy.

The Amber Alert was canceled after less than two hours when Brown was detained in Kimball. Attorney General Marty Jackley says he’s charged with child abuse. It’s not clear if he has an attorney.