EL PASO, Texas (KTSM) — New Mexico State Police in Southern New Mexico arrested a woman over the weekend who they say kidnapped her children from Texas and fled the Lone Star State.
Using the Automatic License Plate Recognition system, New Mexico State Police arrested 31-year-old Qwaunice Tippitt on Saturday, Nov. 16 in Lordsburg.
Tippitt was wanted by the Bexar County Sheriff’s Office on kidnapping charges. She was arrested with Charles Jones, 32, who was also charged with kidnapping, State Police said.
At about 2:15 p.m. on Saturday, NMSP officers from Deming were given information about five missing endangered children who were allegedly taken by their biological mother from Texas and had fled the state. A be on the lookout (BOLO) was given for a black SAAB sedan with Texas plates.
An automatic license plate reader picked up the vehicle and helped officers in narrowing down the time, location, and direction the vehicle was last seen.
Officers found the vehicle parked at a truck stop in Lordsburg.
Tippitt and Jones were taken into custody without incident, New Mexico State Police said.
The children were taken back to the Lordsburg State Police Office where they were then picked up by representatives from Texas Child Protective Services.
“Cases like this one highlight the critical importance technology is playing in helping New Mexico State Police combat crime and protect the public,” New Mexico State Police Chief Troy Weisler said. “New Mexico is safer as a result of the investments made in our agency over the past several years and we will continue to use innovative technologies to protect the public.”
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