Dash cam footage captured the crucial moment a fast decision helped save a young child’s life.
Two-year-old Kehlani Rogers went missing from her home in Avondale, Arizona, at about 11.30pm on February 20.
A few days later, she was seen at a QuikTrip in the Phoenix area on Sunday morning after a security guard recognized her from an Amber Alert that had been issued the day before.
After spotting Kehlani and noticing 23-year-old suspect Marina Noriega, the guard quickly raised the alarm and asked a nearby moving crew at the station to help.
The movers reacted immediately, positioning their van to box in Noriega’s truck and stop it from leaving the parking area.
Police arrived minutes later, arrested Noriega, and Kehlani was safely reunited with her family.
Camelback Moving president Chad Olsen later spoke about what happened, saying he was proud of how his team handled the situation.
“We’re a moving company, so we’re not professional heroes by any means,” he said.
“But to listen to the dash cam and watch the dash cam footage of the crew kind of identifying the situation and who this was, and putting the plan together that we’re going to block this truck in with our truck and not allow them to leave. I couldn’t be more proud.”
He added: “We are incredibly proud of our community heroes: Robert Hernandez, Ralph Vollmert, Christopher Dixon, Kevin Place, Kevin Kimes, Gerardo Galacia, Kobe Brown and Michael Macallum for their courage, quick thinking and teamwork.”
Authorities have since confirmed Kehlani is safe and was not injured.
QuikTrip also shared a statement about the response at the store.
Corporate Communications Manager Aisha Jefferson for the company Aisha Jefferson said: “On Sunday morning, a QT Guardian at one of our Phoenix locations recognized two customers connected to an active Amber Alert and immediately alerted Phoenix Police Department. Law enforcement arrived promptly, secured the child, and took the suspects into custody.”
Jefferson added: “We’re grateful for our Guardian’s attentiveness and quick thinking, and for the swift response and professionalism from the Phoenix Police Department. The safety of our employees, customers, and the communities we serve is a top priority.”
Reports also state that Noriega has reportedly ‘denied having any plan for the child after she took her and denied intent to sell or harm the child’.
Avondale police said Noriega has been booked, though officials have not yet shared details on any charges.