Idaho teen girl abducted from her job found safe in Arizona, suspect in custody

Nathan J. Fish and BrieAnna J. Frank
Updated
Police believe Miguel Rodriguez-Perez abducted 17-year-old Sandra Rios-Chavez from her job at a Wendy's restaurant in Jerome, Idaho on Sunday, police said.

PHOENIX - An 18-year-old suspect in an Idaho Amber Alert fled a traffic stop and abandoned his car in Arizona before he was found early Tuesday morning, police said.

The girl he was with also was found safe.

Police believe Miguel Rodriguez-Perez abducted Sandra Rios-Chavez, 17, from her job at a Wendy's restaurant in Jerome, Idaho, on Sunday, authorities said.

Rodriguez-Perez was found early Tuesday morning with Rios-Chavez in Surprise after Surprise police were patrolling the area Monday evening and spotted a black 2015 Audi that matched the vehicle description in the Amber Alert, according to Surprise police.

The vehicle fled as officers initiated a traffic stop and was found abandoned a short distance away, Surprise police said.

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Rios-Chavez had an order of protection against Rodriguez-Perez, who police said has previously threatened and assaulted her.

Rodriguez-Perez's phone pinged in Kingman on Monday. He has contacts in Surprise and in Mexico, officials said.

Rios-Chavez appeared to be unharmed and is waiting to be reunited with her family, Surprise police said.

Miguel was taken into police custody and the investigation remains ongoing, Surprise police said.

Follow BrieAnna J. Frank on Twitter @brieannafrank.

This article originally appeared on Arizona Republic: Idaho teen girl abducted from her job found safe in Arizona, suspect in custody