Abducted 11 month child rescued after intense police search

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: Friday, June 4, 2021   1:45pm 

(Ottawa) — An 11-month-old baby who was taken from her mother late Thursday night, in the area of Carling Avenue and Pinecrest Road, was found by members of the Ottawa Police Service Emergency Services Unit (ESU) this morning.

A major police investigation and operation was undertaken after the mother, who was visiting Ottawa from Nunavut, reported that another woman had taken the child at about 11:15 p.m. Thursday. The child required medical attention.

Ottawa Police attended the location where the girl had last been seen and immediately coordinated a ground search operation engaging all available ESU, Neighbourhood Resource Team and Frontline Patrol resources.  Simultaneously, investigators from the West Criminal Investigations Unit and Sexual Assault and Child Abuse Unit (SACA) were reviewing all pertinent evidence.

OPS issued an Amber Alert as part of the investigation.

At approximately 8:30am, an ESU officer who was part of the search located a potential witness police were seeking in the area.  Further investigation led officers to an apartment in the 800 block of Pinecrest Road.  When officers arrived at the unit, they heard a baby crying inside.  The officers entered the apartment and located the missing girl. 

“The discovery of this little girl safe and sound was the conclusion we were working for and we are all thankful for this happy result,” said Chief Peter Sloly. “I want to thank all the members who worked to locate her. It was an example of great frontline police work and investigation. We would also like to thank members of the media, the Ontario Provincial Police, the Ottawa Paramedic Service and the public for their assistance and contribution in the safe resolution of this volatile situation.” 

The child was found and due to her medical condition, she was transported to the hospital by Ottawa Paramedic Service for further examination.

One woman has been taken into custody. The woman is unknown to the mother and child.

The Sexual Assault and Child Abuse Unit investigation is ongoing. 

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