WLKM Radio 95.9 FM
Authorities from several Michigan and Indiana police agencies helped in an effort to track a suspect responsible for the issuance of an Amber Alert early Thursday.
According to Sturgis Police Chief Geoff Smith, the child-abduction alert was issued after 37-year-old Fernando Mendoza Cruz was allegedly responsible for an assault at his residence, in the 100 block of Pioneer Street.
Officers responded to the residence around 6:30 p.m. Wednesday and located a suspect vehicle. An officer attempted to stop the vehicle, which failed to stop and was driven into LaGrange County, where Indiana police agencies joined in the chase. During the chase, Sturgis Police learned there were three small children in the vehicle.
Sturgis Police learned Cruz was allegedly armed with a handgun and threatened to harm himself and the children. He also allegedly made threats to drive his vehicle into a tree with the kids inside his vehicle, authorities said. After the alleged threats were made, the Amber Alert was issued.
Indiana police agencies pursued Cruz until he drove back into St. Joseph County. He was eventually taken into custody outside his residence after Sturgis Police negotiated with him and he surrendered peacefully.
All three children were located safe inside the home and in good health. Cruz is charged with numerous felony offenses.
