Wilkinsburg 2-Year-Old Safe After Hours-Long Standoff In Altoona
PITTSBURGH (KDKA) – A man who allegedly kidnapped his daughter and left the area has been arrested after a long standoff in Altoona.
The Blair County tactical team spent several hours in a standoff with Tex Ortiz. Police say Ortiz surrendered around 9:30 p.m.
Ortiz is the father of 2-year-old Jaleeyah Ortiz. Police say he took off with her the week before Christmas.
Jaleeyah's grandmother, Lori Clark, is listed as her legal guardian after her mother passed away about two months ago.
Clark and her family picked up Jaleeyah at Children's Hospital around 2 a.m. Tuesday. Doctors say the child is in good condition and didn't have any injuries.
After returning home, Clark talked about the emotional ride these past few weeks have been.
"Definitely the best Christmas gift," said Clark. "The last couple of weeks has been a worry every day, not knowing where she was at, how she was doing. It's great to see she is healthy, no problems, all reports are good."
Shortly before 10 p.m. Monday, detectives had contacted Clark to say that Jaleeyah was safe and that the standoff was over.
We're told Ortiz doesn't have custody of the child. He was under house arrest at the time of the abduction and removed his ankle bracelet before he left. He faces a long list of charges.
Stay with KDKA for more information.
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