Toddler Rescued After Bystanders Spot Abductor

Phoenix police locate missing 3-year-old girl after receiving tip from vigilant community members.

Feb. 25, 2026 at 5:11pm

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A 3-year-old girl named Kehlani Rogers was reported missing from her Avondale, Arizona home on Saturday morning. After an Amber Alert was issued, a gas station security guard and a moving crew spotted the girl with a suspect, Marina Noriega, and immediately alerted the police. Phoenix police were able to locate and rescue Kehlani, and apprehend Noriega, thanks to the quick actions of the observant bystanders.

Why it matters

Child abductions are traumatic events that can have lasting impacts on victims and their families. This case highlights the importance of community vigilance and the effectiveness of the Amber Alert system in quickly mobilizing the public to assist law enforcement in locating missing children.

The details

Kehlani Rogers was last seen by her parents on Friday night before being reported missing from their Avondale home on Saturday morning. An Amber Alert was issued, and a tip from a gas station security guard and a moving crew led Phoenix police to the location where they found Kehlani with the suspect, Marina Noriega. The bystanders had recognized Kehlani from the Amber Alert photo and immediately contacted the authorities, who were then able to rescue the toddler and apprehend Noriega.

  • Kehlani Rogers was last seen by her parents late Friday night.
  • Kehlani was reported missing from her Avondale home on Saturday morning.
  • An Amber Alert was issued after Kehlani's disappearance.
  • Bystanders spotted Kehlani and the suspect on Saturday morning near 27th Avenue and Indian School Road in Phoenix.
  • Phoenix police responded quickly and were able to locate and rescue Kehlani and arrest the suspect.

The players

Kehlani Rogers

A 3-year-old girl who was abducted from her home in Avondale, Arizona.

Marina Noriega

The suspect who allegedly abducted Kehlani Rogers from her home.

Ralph Vollmert

A moving company worker who spotted Kehlani and the suspect and immediately alerted the police.

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What they’re saying

“I showed him the Amber Alert photo, he's like, that's her. That's her. Because I swear that's the child that she just ran past me.”

— Ralph Vollmert, Moving company worker (KPNX)

What’s next

Authorities will continue to investigate the relationship between the suspect, Marina Noriega, and Kehlani's family to determine the motive behind the abduction.

The takeaway

This case demonstrates the power of community vigilance and the effectiveness of the Amber Alert system in quickly mobilizing the public to assist law enforcement in locating missing children. The quick actions of the bystanders who recognized the child and reported the sighting to the police were crucial in ensuring Kehlani's safe return.