Authorities arrested Amar Saleh in New York City Monday following a reported abduction in Perinton that triggered an Amber Alert over the weekend and led to the safe recovery of a woman and her two children in Rochester.
Three other men were earlier charged in connection with the case, but Monroe County sheriff’s deputies said the investigation remains active. The U.S. Marshals Service Task Force in the New York City area and New York State Police apprehended Saleh early Monday morning without incident.
Saleh, a Rochester resident, was charged with three counts of second-degree kidnapping, a felony, in connection with the incident, said Sheriff’s Office spokesman Deputy David Marcucci.
Earlier on Monday Marcucci said that it is “very much an open investigation, in which we are still working to piece together details and the relationships of those involved.” He said additional details will be released when doing so will not compromise the case.
Who is Amar Saleh?
Monroe County sheriff’s deputies had previously identified Amar Abdulla Saleh as a person connected to the kidnapping investigation and urged the public to call 911 with any information on his whereabouts before his arrest in New York City.
On Saturday, deputies said Saleh, 26, is the son of the woman who was abducted and the brother of the two children involved in the incident.
Officials said the sedan tied to a BOLO, or “be on the lookout” alert, has been recovered. No further details about Saleh’s alleged role have been released.
What happened in Perinton?
According to the Monroe County Sheriff’s Office, deputies responded around 3:20 p.m. Saturday, May 9, to a home in Perinton for a reported abduction involving a woman and two children, ages 7 and 9. The call came from Child Protective Services (CPS).
Investigators said evidence gathered at the scene suggested the incident was targeted and allegedly carried out by another family member with the intent to leave the area.
Authorities reviewed surveillance footage from nearby homes and identified vehicles and individuals believed to be involved.
Why an Amber Alert was issued
Officials said investigators received information indicating the mother and children could be in danger, prompting an Amber Alert and a rapid multi-agency response.
A countywide BOLO alert was also issued.
Agencies assisting in the investigation included the New York State Police Special Investigations Unit, New York State Intelligence Center, FBI, Rochester Police Department, New York State Thruway Authority, Frederick Douglass Greater Rochester International Airport and the Canada Border Services Agency.
Mother, children found safe in Rochester
Investigators said officers later on Saturday located the victims at a residence in Rochester, where the woman and both children were found unharmed the same day they were reported missing.
Three people were taken into custody and questioned at the Monroe County Sheriff’s Office A-Zone substation in Penfield.
“From the start, the top priority was to safely locate the three family members alleged to have been taken against their will,” Marcucci said in a news release.
Who has been charged?
Authorities charged the following four men with three counts each of second-degree kidnapping, a Class B felony:
Ahmed, Saleh and Paul were all arraigned Sunday, May 10, at Monroe County CAP Court. They are being held at the Monroe County Jail in lieu of bail. Saleh was returned to the Monroe County Jail ahead of his arraignment set to take place Monday, May 11.
Are deputies searching for more suspects?
Not at this time. Deputies said that there is “no evidence to indicate there are additional suspects outstanding. “
This article originally appeared on Rochester Democrat and Chronicle: NYC arrest marks major update in Perinton Amber Alert investigation
Reporting by Victoria E. Freile, New York Connect Team / Rochester Democrat and Chronicle
USA TODAY Network via Reuters Connect
