RCMP suspect Amber Alert kids taken off grid after ‘preplanned’ abduction by B.C. mom

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This article was published 24/07/2023 (1142 days ago), so information in it may no longer be current.

SURREY, B.C. – Police say they have “credible information” that two children who are the subject of an Amber Alert have been taken “off the grid” in an alleged “preplanned” abduction by their mother.

Surrey RCMP say they believe the mother, along with her father and boyfriend are living in trailers in a rural area after the woman failed to return the children to their father earlier this month.

Police say they’ve received 180 tips about the case, but the whereabouts of eight-year-old girl and her 10-year-old brother remain unknown, with the last confirmed sighting at a Merritt, B.C., gas station on July 7.

Investigators say the woman’s 53-year-old boyfriend is an outdoorsman and fishing enthusiast from Nelson who has lived off grid in the past.

RCMP say the children’s’ 74-year-old grandfather, is from Chilliwack and hasn’t been to his home since June 30, when officers say he met with his daughter.

Sgt. Tammy Lobb says the public will play a major role in locating the children.

“We need the public to be alive to the information and photos we have shared and to be our eyes and ears and continue to call us with any tips and possible sightings.”

Police launched a tip line and email account last week to gather information about the case after finding out that the mother had access to several trailers, capable of being towed by the 2012 Dodge Ram pickup which she was spotted driving.

Authorities first issued the Amber Alert on July 19 when the children were not returned as planned to their father, who has primary custody.

Police say the last confirmed sighting of the woman was at a Kamloops, B.C., grocery store on July 15.

This report by The Canadian Press was first published July 24, 2023.