5-month-old safe after alleged kidnapping in Graham

A 5-month-old baby is safe after allegedly being kidnapped in Graham earlier this week.

According to the Pierce County Sheriff’s Office, the baby’s mother was strangled by her 27-year-old boyfriend, who then took off in a car with the baby on his lap.

“As deputies searched for the suspect, they learned he had allegedly made suicidal statements and driven away erratically with the baby unrestrained in the vehicle,” the Pierce County Sheriff’s Office stated. “Deputies developed probable cause for assault and kidnapping and began an extensive search for the vehicle.”

More than an hour later, deputies located the suspect near the 8600 block of 224th Street E in Graham. The suspect exited the car while holding the baby, but complied with officers as the situation was resolved peacefully.

The man was arrested for several crimes: fourth-degree assault, second-degree assault, first-degree kidnapping, reckless driving, reckless endangerment, and felony harassment with threats to kill.

“This was an emotionally intense and high-risk situation for everyone involved,” the Pierce County Sheriff’s Office wrote. “We are grateful for the professionalism, compassion, and restraint our deputies demonstrated while safely resolving the incident and ensuring the well-being of the child. Great work, deputies.”

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