Sandra Mendoza, a 13-year-old abducted Pueblo girl, was found safe hours after police issued an amber alert on Wednesday, October 16, 2024. The amber alert was deactivated. However, it is unclear if police apprehended the suspect accused of abducting the teen.
On Wednesday evening, Colorado police issued an amber alert for Mendoza, who was inside a vehicle when she was abducted. Police said the suspect stole the vehicle with Mendoza still inside the truck.
According to a missing person’s flier, Mendoza was last seen in the 1200 block of S Prairie Avenue in Pueblo, Colorado, on October 16, 2024, at approximately 5:10 p.m. The amber alert was issued just after 6.30 p.m.
Over four hours after raising the alarm, the Colorado Bureau of Investigation announced via Facebook post that Mendoza was found safe. However, it is unclear if the suspect was arrested. The post read:
“Sandra Mendoza has been safely located. Thank you for your assistance.”
Sandra Mendoza was abducted by a suspect described as Hispanic male
According to KKTV, Sandra Mendoza’s abduction was reported by the police at 6:44 p.m. In a post on Facebook, the Colorado Bureau of Investigation said the stolen truck was recovered in Pueblo about two hours later, around 8. 30 p.m. However, Mendoza was not found inside the truck, and the suspect was still at large. Police described the suspect as a Hispanic male. The post read:
“13-year-old, Hispanic female, Sandra Mendoza, hazel eyes and black hair, 5 '00"/100lbs, was last seen near the 1200 block of S Prairie Ave in Pueblo, CO on October 16, 2024, at approximately 5:10 PM. Sandra was last seen wearing a black shirt and blue jeans. Sandra was in a vehicle when it was stolen by an unknown, Hispanic, male”
Mendoza was described as a 5-foot and 100-pound Hispanic female with hazel eyes and black hair. She was last seen wearing a black T-shirt and blue jeans in the 1200 block of S Prairie Avenue in Pueblo. Police added:
“The vehicle has been recovered by law enforcement in Pueblo, but Sandra is still missing, presumably with the unknown suspect.”
Nearly two hours after locating the stolen truck, police said Sandra Mendoza was found safe. Police located the teen at about 10:20 p.m. However, it is unclear where she was found. While the Amber Alert was cancelled, it is unclear if the suspect was arrested and charged in the incident. Police have yet to disclose additional details in the case.