Watch CBS News

Washington Couple Who Allegedly Fled With Kids Found In Aptos; Mom Headbutts, Kicks Officers

APTOS (CBS/AP) -- Authorities say the three missing children at the center of a Washington state child welfare case have been found with their parents in California. A California Highway Patrol officer says the mother was arrested.

Someone called 911 on Thursday to say the family was at a gas station in Aptos, south of Santa Cruz.

Patrol officers and Santa Cruz County sheriff's deputies responded.

Washington state's Child Protective Services says 23-year-old Cleave Rengo, 29-year-old Erica Carey and their young children disappeared in late January during a dispute with the agency, which obtained a court order to place the Rengo children in protective custody.

California Highway Patrol spokesman Bradley Sadek says Carey became distraught when child protective services workers arrived to take custody of the children. Sadek says the woman headbutted a sergeant and kicked a sheriff's deputy. He says she was arrested for investigation of resisting and battery.

© Copyright 2014 The Associated Press. All Rights Reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.

View CBS News In
CBS News App Open
Chrome Safari Continue
Be the first to know
Get browser notifications for breaking news, live events, and exclusive reporting.