WASHINGTON BOROUGH, N.J. – A six-year-old girl was kidnapped from her home, escaped, and made her way back on foot early Saturday morning, while police later arrested a 27-year-old man who authorities say was known to the child.
Police received the missing-child report at approximately 2:51 a.m. Saturday. Investigators determined the girl had allegedly been kidnapped from her home, but about an hour later officers found her as she was walking back home, according to authorities.
- The six-year-old was located about an hour after police received the initial missing-child report.
- Lester Noe Perez-Amador, 27, is charged with first-degree kidnapping and first-degree home invasion burglary.
- Local, county, state and federal investigators worked on the case during an intensive 36-hour investigation.
Six-Year-Old Found Walking Back Home
The Washington Township Police Department immediately responded after receiving the report that the child was missing in Washington Borough.
“Initial investigation while on scene determined the child to be a victim of a kidnapping from her home,” authorities said.
The search took a dramatic turn approximately one hour later.
Police located the girl as she was returning home on foot. Authorities did not disclose where she had been taken, how far she had walked or additional details about how she got away.
The child was transported to a local hospital for treatment. Her condition and the nature of any injuries were not disclosed in the release.
Suspect Arrested During 36-Hour Investigation
Finding the girl did not end the investigation.
Police said a coordinated multi-agency effort continued for 36 hours and resulted in the arrest of Perez-Amador within the first 24 hours.
“During the course of the investigation, it was determined that Perez-Amador was known to the victim,” authorities said.
Investigators did not elaborate on that relationship.
Perez-Amador was charged on a complaint warrant with first-degree home invasion burglary and first-degree kidnapping.
He was lodged in the Warren County Correctional Center pending his first appearance in Warren County Superior Court.
Authorities said first-degree kidnapping carries a maximum sentence of life imprisonment with 25 years of parole ineligibility. First-degree home invasion burglary carries a maximum sentence of 20 years in New Jersey State Prison under the No Early Release Act.
Police Ask Public for Surveillance Video
The investigation remains active and involves the Washington Township Police Department, Warren County Prosecutor’s Office, New Jersey State Police, Greenwich Township Police Department, Mansfield Township Police Department and FBI Newark Field Office.
Investigators are asking anyone who may have information or surveillance video showing suspicious activity to submit a tip to the Warren County Prosecutor’s Office.
Police have not released additional details about the alleged abduction, including where the child was taken before she returned home.
The charges against Perez-Amador are accusations. He is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt.
The six-year-old girl returned home on foot after the alleged kidnapping.
Police said officers located the child approximately one hour after receiving the initial missing-person report as she was making her way back home.
Lester Noe Perez-Amador was known to the child, investigators said.
Authorities disclosed that connection but did not provide further information about the relationship between Perez-Amador and the girl.
Perez-Amador faces two first-degree charges.
He is charged with kidnapping and home invasion burglary and was being held at the Warren County Correctional Center pending his first court appearance.
Sources: Washington Township Police Department; Warren County Prosecutor’s Office
Police Blotter
31-year-old Maryland man found shot dead on Southern Avenue in Southeast DC
Shore News Network
Police Blotter
12-year-old girl vanishes after last sighting at busy DC Metro station
Shore News Network
Breaking
Police Blotter
DC police seek suspect days after theft on I Street in Southeast DC
Shore News Network