Kidnapping attempt thwarted

Cheney Police arrested a 15-year-old female on alleged second-degree kidnapping charges in an incident that took place Sunday morning, May 24.

Department Cmdr. Rick Campbell said an officer originally responded to a dispute call from Cheney Trading Company. Upon arrival, several people pointed the officer to a 15-year-old, carrying an 8 – 9 month old infant, who was asking people for a ride to Spokane.

The female claimed the infant was hers. After leaving, Cheney Police were subsequently contacted by a woman informing them that her infant and a 15-year-old matching the description of the female at Cheney Trading Company were missing.

The woman told police the 15-year-old was an acquaintance of hers, and had volunteered to watch the infant while the mother was distracted with another matter. The woman also said the female allegedly took several credit cards.

Officers returned to Cheney Trading Company, found the 15-year-old had gone, and after questioning individuals, patrons and staff, at the store, determined she had contacted someone who had given her a ride to Spokane. Individuals at the store identified the person providing the ride, who was then contacted by police and confirmed that they had provided the 15-year-old with a ride and the location she had been dropped off.

Spokane Police were contacted, and subsequently recovered the child and apprehended the suspect on the 500 block of West Garland Avenue. The suspect was charged with second-degree kidnapping, second-degree theft and possession of marijuana.

Campbell said the incident didn’t take officers long to resolve.

“The infant wasn’t gone very long,” he said. “It was good police work.”

John McCallum can be reached at [email protected]