Police Cancel Amber Alert For Diore Thomas Of East Pittsburgh
PITTSBURGH (KDKA) -- The Pennsylvania State Police have canceled the Amber Alert for a child reported abducted in the Pittsburgh area.
Police say Diore Thomas was safely located on Thursday. Law enforcement said she was reported abducted from East Pittsburgh by 20-year-old Giante Thomas Jr.
Officials say Giante, the girl's father, was in a custody battle with Tamiya Williams, the girl's mother. Giante allegedly made threats to the girl's mom, got physical with Williams and wrestled the child away. He also stole Williams' car, police said.
"Thomas indicated he was going to take the child from the residence. He then produced a firearm and pointed the firearm at Williams. And during the argument, he then lowered the firearm and at some point, bit her on the wrist that she was holding the child with. He was then able to take possession of the child," said trooper Forest Allison.
Pittsburgh Public Safety said SWAT and U.S. Marshals assisted state police in locating Diore on the 3700 block of Windgap Avenue in McKees Rocks.
Pittsburgh Public Safety said detectives spotted a vehicle on Windgap Avenue that later matched the description of the suspect's vehicle. SWAT was called to a home around 6:15 p.m.
The child was taken to a local hospital for observation and to be reunited with her mother. The child is doing well and was not harmed.
Police say three people are in custody. Police say Giante faces 10 charges, including five felonies. None of the charges are kidnapping.
Giante also had some outstanding warrants.