Did You Get An AMBER ALERT Wednesday Morning? Here’s Why!
An AMBER ALERT that was sent to Yakima residents Tuesday night and early Wednesday has been cancelled because a mother and child have been found safe.
Yakima Police say the incident started late Tuesday night
Yakima Police say the incident started late Tuesday night when the victim called police to report a problem with the father of her child saying she and her 3-month- old were in the car with the man. The man, identified as Rene Baeza threatened Yesenia Mesta as the 911 call continued and both were arguing inside the vehicle. Mesta gave officers a location of the car and they tried to stop Baeza but he took off and a chase started. Police had probable cause to continue the chase and arrest Baeza since he’s wanted on a warrant for assaulting Mesta on a prior occasion. Baeza is also barred from contacting Mesta through a no contact order that’s currently in place.
Police started the chase but ended it after threats were made
During the chase the 9-1-1 operator could hear Baeza threatening his girlfriend saying they were going to die unless she told police to stop the chase. Police complied and terminated the pursuit. Earlier this morning Mesta and her 3-month-old child were found unharmed in the 200 block of West Yakima Avenue. Police say they believe the suspect, Rene Baeza fled the area.
Police are confident the suspect will be found and arrested soon
Capt. Jay Seely says they’re very familiar with Baeza having dealt with him in the past because of domestic issues involving the same woman. They’re confident he’ll be arrested soon. The investigation continues.