Mother in coast AMBER Alert case found, arrested
A statewide AMBER Alert Thursday evening led a citizen tip and the successful location of a missing 3 -year-old Oregon coast girl near Cottage Grove. Authorities said Friday they had found her 19-year-old mother, arresting her for violating a court order and taking the child.
The alert was issued at the request of Tillamook police after they were told Kaitlyne Wirth, 19, of North Bend, had taken Jocelyn Wirth in North Bend, violating a Tillamook County judge’s order taking away her custody of her daughter, said OSP Lt. Bill Fugate.
The alert was issued about 6:25 p.m. Less than 20 minutes later, a citizen who heard the AMBER Alert recognized the teal 1999 four-door Chevy Cavalier mentioned in the alert parked along Highway 99 near Cottage Grove and called 911, Fugate said, adding that the caller could see a blonde-haired child inside.
OSP troopers found the vehicle and safely recovered the little girl, who was reported in good condition.
Troopers said Friday morning that authorities had located the mother, identified as Kaitlyne M. Wirth, and taken her into custody. Fugate said earlier the latest information was that she was believed to be in the Eugene area.
