Pueblo Man Arrested Over False Kidnapping Report Leading to AMBER Alert

On Wednesday, a significant disturbance unfolded in Pueblo, Colorado, following a false report of a kidnapping that led to the issuance of an AMBER Alert. The incident began around 5:15 p.m. when police were called to Big Daddy’s Sunset Bowl, located on Prairie Avenue, with claims of a vehicle theft involving a child, identified as “Sandra,” inside.

The reporting party, Daniel Reyes, 34, informed police officers that his 13-year-old cousin was in his white Ford F-250 when it was stolen. A subsequent news release from the Pueblo Police described how the situation rapidly involved multiple jurisdictions and agencies as they scrambled to locate the missing child, who was deemed “expected to be in danger.”

The search culminated in the discovery of the F-250 on the 1100 block of Cypress Street, unoccupied. However, about four hours into the investigation, authorities confirmed that the teenager had no connection to Reyes and was safe at home. This new information led to the cancellation of the AMBER Alert.

According to a statement by Pueblo Police Chief Chris Noeller, “while working an armed, barricaded suspect incident on the north side of town,” the cooperation among “dispatch and our department, along with other responding agencies and community members,” demonstrated exceptional dedication and teamwork.

Reyes is currently facing charges of attempting to influence a public servant, classified as a Class 4 felony. Police spokesperson Bianca Hicks disclosed that the photos provided by Reyes were outdated and that he had fabricated his relationship with the minor.

“False reporting wastes countless hours of manpower and resources,” remarked Chief Noeller, highlighting the impact of the incident on community and regional law enforcement capabilities.

The search continues for the yet-to-be-identified suspect responsible for the theft of the motor vehicle.