A tense scene unfolded in San Antonio, Texas, this past weekend when a mother allegedly fleeing with her three-year-old daughter was finally taken into custody.
Amber Heaviland, 38, reportedly sparked a statewide Amber Alert after she disappeared from her home with daughter Aurora Bojorquez in an attempt to avoid intervention from Child Protective Services (CPS).
Footage from the arrest shows Heaviland restrained in a straitjacket, walking through a parking lot with officers.
Despite the situation, she smirked at the police while insisting she had “committed no crime” and repeatedly asking about her rights.
CPS Concern Sparks Search
CPS first went to Heaviland’s home on Thursday evening around 5:30pm for a routine welfare check on Aurora but found the mother and child missing.
Investigators spoke instead with Amber’s brother, Dustin Heaviland, who was at the house with several other children.
Authorities say Dustin refused to answer questions about Aurora’s whereabouts.
After multiple unsuccessful attempts to locate the pair, the Bexar County Sheriff’s Office issued an Amber Alert, noting that investigators believed Amber was deliberately evading law enforcement to prevent Aurora from being taken into CPS care.
Arrest and Recovery
By Saturday afternoon, officers returned to the home and located both Amber and Aurora.
Amber was arrested around 2pm, and Aurora was safely removed from the household.
Dustin Heaviland was also arrested earlier, after admitting to misleading police to protect his sister.
While Amber remained in county custody facing charges for interference with child custody, Dustin bonded out later that evening.
CPS Concerns and Allegations
Authorities confirmed that CPS intended to remove Aurora due to concerns about drug use, neglect, and abuse within the home.
These allegations prompted the rapid response and high-profile Amber Alert, highlighting the serious nature of the case.
Amber Alert System Saves Lives
While Aurora was thankfully recovered safely, the case comes amid a sobering reminder of the dangers children face.
A New York Amber Alert last month ended tragically when 9-year-old Melina Frattolin, believed abducted by her father, was found dead in Ticonderoga, New York, roughly 45 miles from Lake George, where she was last seen.
According to the Department of Justice, the Amber Alert system has successfully recovered 1,268 children, though only 226 were rescued specifically due to wireless emergency alerts, showing both the power and limitations of the system.
Ongoing Investigation
Amber Heaviland remains in custody while investigations continue, and authorities are monitoring the situation to ensure Aurora’s safety.
The case underscores the delicate balance law enforcement and child welfare agencies face when intervening in family crises.
