Body Found In Car Trunk In Montebello Identified As Missing Mother
SAN DIEGO (CBSLA.com) — California Highway Patrol officers Thursday detained a Montebello man wanted for the abduction of his four sons.
Daniel Perez, 43, was taken into custody around 9:50 a.m. by authorities in San Diego County.
His 2014 black Toyota Camry was first located around 8:30 a.m. in El Cajon with the help of a LoJack system in the car.
The CHP attempted to pull the car over, but a pursuit ensued. Perez was eventually stopped around 9 a.m. on eastbound State Route 52 near the transition to State Route 67 and a standoff followed.
On Thursday, authorities identified the body found in a car trunk as that of Erica Perez. Her husband has been named a person of interest in connection with her disappearance, Montebello police said Wednesday.
Authorities had been on the lookout for the father after an Amber Alert was issued early Thursday for his four sons, ranging in age from 6 to 11 years old.
During the standoff, Perez, who was in contact with negotiators from the CHP and El Cajon Police Department, released two of his sons. He continued to hold the other two boys hostage until just before 10 a.m. when the car was boxed in by two armored vehicles.
The three people exited the car and the children were taken to safety.
Perez made a brief attempt to jump over a bridge, but officers "were able to tackle him and take him into custody," Montebello police said.
Perez was taken to the CHP office in El Cajon.
The family, including Erica Perez, was reported missing Tuesday from their Montebello home. Family members told detectives that their marriage was unstable, and the couple had a history of domestic violence.
His family told KCAL9's Kristine Lazar that Erica was the aggressor. Police said the couple had a history of domestic violence but wouldn't say who was the attacker.
Erica Perez was convicted of felony spousal abuse in February 2011.
The couple has a fifth son who has been staying with his grandmother.
Authorities told Lazar the boys have been told of their mother's death.
Officials said that they located Perez using Lojack technology initiated by Montebello police detectives.
Police also said social media and an Amber Alert were also instrumental in tracking Perez down.
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