Police say a four-year-old boy was kidnapped around noon Tuesday when his uncle, Rogelio Gonzalez, forcefully took the boy from his mother, scratching her in the process. Officers say he tried to take a second relative, a two-year-old niece, as well, but was unsuccessful in grabbing that child. Authorities were in the process of issuing an Amber Alert when the boy was located.
The boy was found unharmed just before 4pm. Police say Gonzalez and the boy were spotted walking along Chimney Rock near Clarewood. He was taken into custody and arrested. They believe the uncle was likely under the influence of some substance, but they're not clear on his motive.
"We didn't know his state of mind," said HPD Officer P. Vela. "The mother was scratched up. If he could hurt the mother while taking the child that was our concern that he could hurt the child."
The boy's uncle could be seen laughing and muttering to himself while in police custody. Gonzalez has been charged with child endangerment.
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