GIBRALTAR (WWJ) - Border patrol agents helped reunite a baby with family members after Downriver police allege the young child was abducted at gun point on Wednesday.
According to the U.S. Customs and Border Protection, agents from the Gibraltar station helped thwart the kidnapping after learning that police officers from Flat Rock were in pursuit of a suspect around 10 a.m. Wednesday.
The suspect reportedly assaulted the child's mother and took the infant while armed with a handgun, officials said.
As the Flat Rock police officer was pursuing the suspect, their vehicle became disabled.
Border agents reached out to the police officer to make sure he was unhurt and continued the pursuit as no other law enforcement in the area could assist.
Officials said agents were able to find the suspect vehicle not far away.
"When they arrived at the vehicle’s location, they noticed two subjects seated in a different vehicle stopped behind it," authorities explained. "The subject in the passenger seat was holding an infant and was identified as the suspect in the abduction."
Agents were able to arrest the suspect without incident.
The other occupant, the driver of the second vehicle, was taken into custody but later released when agents determined he was Good Samaritan who stopped to help who he thought was a stranded motorist.
Border patrol agents took care of the child until the baby's grandmother and other family members arrived.
“Our strong, established partnerships allowed for seamless communication and quick resolution to this dangerous situation. I am amazed every day by the work of Border Patrol agents and our partners to protect our communities,” said Detroit Sector Chief Patrol Agent Robert Danley.”
The suspect was arrested by the Flat Rock Police Department on charges of Kidnapping, Fleeing and Eluding, and Child Endangerment.