An Amber Alert issued Thursday evening for an eight-month-old boy last seen in Brampton was cancelled after the child was found safe and in good health, Peel Regional Police confirmed.
Authorities tell CityNews that the suspect, 40-year-old Shahzaib Memon, who is believed to have abducted the child, was arrested at approximately 2 a.m. on Friday in Brampton following a province-wide search. Police have also recovered the suspect’s vehicle, a Nissan Rogue.
The baby was found “in good health” near a Walmart in the area of Resolution Drive and Steeles Avenue East after he was abandoned by the suspect.
PRP confirmed with CityNews that the man in custody is the infant’s uncle and shed more light on how the incident unfolded in an update Friday.
“(The mother and son) were parked at a plaza near Main Street South and Charolais Boulevard. When the mother exited the vehicle, the child’s uncle, who was also in the vehicle, moved to the driver’s seat and, without consent or explanation, drove away with the child still inside,” a police release explained.
Shortly after the child was found safe, officers spotted the suspect.
“When officers attempted a traffic stop, the suspect rammed a police cruiser. Due to the dangerous manner of his driving, officers discontinued the pursuit.”
Early the next morning the suspect was located and arrested.
He’s facing charges including abduction of a person under 14, abandoning a child and flight from peace officer.
“The safe recovery of this child demonstrates the strength of our investigators and patrol officers working together in critical moments,” Peel police Chief Nishan Duraiappah said in a release.
“In under 20 minutes, an abducted child was found safe, and the suspect responsible was later taken into custody. To anyone who seeks to cause harm in Peel, know this: we will find you, and we will hold you fully accountable.”