Man Arrested After AMBER Alert Threatened to Kill Infant Daughter

Authorities say the suspect had a history of domestic violence and made disturbing threats during the incident.

Published on Mar. 9, 2026

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A 39-year-old man named Roderick Duke was arrested in North Las Vegas after an AMBER Alert was issued for his 10-month-old daughter. According to the arrest report, Duke had allegedly threatened to kill his infant daughter and himself, leading to the alert. Police tracked Duke down and took him into custody without incident, with the child found unharmed.

Why it matters

This case highlights the serious threat of domestic violence and the need for law enforcement to act quickly when children are believed to be in danger. AMBER Alerts are a critical tool to help locate missing children, but the underlying issues of intimate partner abuse and threats of self-harm must also be addressed to prevent such incidents.

The details

Police received multiple calls about a woman screaming for help, with one caller saying Duke had battered his girlfriend and was last seen running away with their daughter. The girlfriend told police that Duke had grabbed her by the neck, and she feared he would kill the child based on previous threats he had made. Duke denied hitting women but had a history of domestic violence, and police noted he was being deceptive during questioning.

  • On Thursday, March 5, North Las Vegas Police issued an AMBER Alert for Duke and his 10-month-old daughter.
  • Duke is scheduled to return to North Las Vegas Justice Court for a felony arraignment hearing on Tuesday, March 10.

The players

Roderick Duke

A 39-year-old man who was arrested on suspicion of first-degree kidnapping, child abuse or neglect, and domestic battery after allegedly threatening to kill his infant daughter and himself.

North Las Vegas Police Department

The law enforcement agency that issued an AMBER Alert for Duke and his daughter, tracked him down, and took him into custody without incident.

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What they’re saying

“The initial details of the call mentioned Roderick Duke had left his place of residence with his 10 month old daughter and had threatened to kill his 10 month old and commit suicide by cop.”

— North Las Vegas Police, In their arrest report (news3lv.com)

“During my interview it was apparent that Roderick was being deceitful and often stumbled on explanations.”

— Detective, With North Las Vegas Police Department (news3lv.com)

What’s next

The judge in the case will decide on Tuesday whether or not to allow Roderick Duke out on bail.

The takeaway

This case highlights the urgent need for stronger protections and interventions to address domestic violence, especially when children are involved. It underscores the importance of AMBER Alerts and the critical role law enforcement plays in responding quickly to potential threats to vulnerable victims.