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The Spokesman-Review Newspaper
Spokane, Washington  Est. May 19, 1883

Infant boy kidnapped in Yakima, found safe several hours later

An infant boy was kidnapped late Monday night in Yakima, prompting an Amber Alert and a police manhunt ending with the uncle in custody and the boy safely located with his mother.

At about 11:30 p.m., Yakima Police officers were notified that 17-month-old Leonnel J. Barajas was abducted allegedly by his uncle, 23-year-old Manuel C. Mendoza, from a residence in the 800 block of Central Avenue in Yakima, according to a police news release.

Yakima police Officer Mike Bastinelli, a spokesman for the Yakima Police Department, said Barajas was apparently taken as part of a custody battle. He said Mendoza was armed when he took the child.

“The child was living with the father,” Bastinelli said. “We’re not really sure who had the custody.”

Police said Mendoza was located just before 6 a.m., when he was taken into custody. Bastinelli said authorities are unsure what charges they will recommend. Barajas was located at about 8 a.m. in the custody of his mother. All three were found in Yakima.

“We believe the child is safe and OK,” Bastinelli said.

The Amber Alert was canceled at about 8:40 a.m.