Amber Alert Issued For 3-Year-Old Delaware Girl Taken By Father
NEW CASTLE, Del. (CBS) -- An Amber Alert has been issued in several states, including Delaware and New Jersey, after a three-year-old girl was forcibly abducted by her father in Delaware Monday night.
New Castle County Police say three-year-old Elinor Trotta was taken by her father, Michael Trotta, from East Basin Road in New Castle.
Police believe the child is in imminent danger.
During a news conference Tuesday, the mother of Elinor made an emotional plea for her daughter's safe return.
"Please bring her home. She doesn't have any clothes with her or her toys … my heart is broken … just bring her home … mommy loves you," Dawn Barkus said.
The New Castle County Police Department said they consider Michael Trotta armed and dangerous.
Investigators say shortly before 7 p.m. Monday, Michael Trotta went to Barkus' home at the Schoolside Apartments in New Castle, Delaware. Police say Trotta assaulted his ex and then fled the scene with their daughter.
Police believe Michael Trotta could be operating a bright red-colored SUV, possibly a Ford Explorer. His last known location was in the area of Mount Laurel, New Jersey early Tuesday morning.
Elinor Trotta is described by police as a white female, about 60 pounds, brown shoulder length hair, last seen wearing a purple puffy coat, pink pants and "Frozen" sneakers.
Michael Trotta is described by police as a 43-year-old white male, 5'8" tall, about 160 pounds, balding short haircut, scruffy beard and mustache last seen wearing all black clothing.
The FBI is assisting in the investigation.
New Castle County Police say there is a possibility that Trotta may be traveling with an unknown adult white female, and may be heading to New York City.
Anyone with information on their whereabouts should call 911 immediately. Citizens may also call the New Castle County Police Department at (302) 573-2800 or can visit our website at www.nccpd.com. Tipsters may also call Crime Stoppers at (800) TIP-3333 or visit us on Facebook at New Castle County Police Department. Citizens who currently have the smartphone application are encouraged to use the "submit tip" tab to submit tips. Select a topic by using the "drop down" and complete the tip by "clicking" submit. The New Castle County Police Smartphone Application is free to download and available for all IPhone and Android smartphones.