Arkansas State Police issued an Amber Alert on behalf of Missouri authorities Thursday afternoon for two children believed to have been taken from a residence.
Genesis Padron, age 8, and Samuel Padron, age 4, have been missing since about 8:50 a.m. Thursday from Southwest City, Mo., according to the alert.
Authorities believe the two children are traveling with Hilda Melendez in a cream-colored Kia Soul with Oklahoma plates. Authorities described Melendez as a noncustodial parent accused of assaulting an adult who was watching the children, and taking them both.
Police previously believed Melendez and the children were in a red Ford Flex with Missouri plates, possibly in the company of Melendez's mother. The Missouri State Highway Patrol confirmed later Thursday night that Melendez's mother and the Ford Flex had been located in Stroud, Okla., but Melendez and the two children were not inside.
They may be en route to Mexico, according to the alert, and “recent statements made indicate the children are in danger.”
Melendez is described as a 35-year-old white woman, about 5 foot 3, with brown hair and brown eyes.