Pueblo police say the “abducted” teen was never actually missing

A Pueblo man was arrested after he allegedly lied to police about a man who stole his truck with a 13-year-old girl inside on Oct. 16.

Daniel Reyes, 34, was arrested on suspicion of attempting to influence a public servant, a Class 4 felony, after he allegedly called police to report that his 13-year-old cousin “Sandra” was in his white Ford F-250 was located when it was stolen. The Colorado Bureau of Investigation issued an Amber Alert for the missing girl Wednesday evening, which was later withdrawn.

The police investigation quickly escalated and spanned multiple jurisdictions and agencies. Pueblo police reported that the girl, whom they identified as “Sandra Mendoza,” had been kidnapped and was “expected to be in danger.”

According to an Oct. 17 news release from the Pueblo Police Department, the F-250 was found unoccupied after an extensive search in the 1100 block of Cypress Street. The suspect and the “missing” girl were not found with the truck.

Reyes allegedly provided police with photos of a juvenile he knew, but gave a false name and lied about his relationship with the minor. According to Bianca Hicks, a spokeswoman for the Pueblo Police Department, it was later determined that the photos published in the CBI's Amber Alert were approximately three years old.

About four hours after the investigation and search for “Sandra” began, investigators received new information, according to police.

Investigators then determined that the girl who was allegedly kidnapped had no relationship with Reyes and was safe at home. Reyes was taken to Pueblo Police for further questioning regarding the false kidnapping report and was arrested and taken to the Pueblo County Detention Center on a charge of attempting to influence a public official.

Police are continuing to search for the suspect in the alleged motor vehicle theft, who has not yet been identified.

“While working on an armed, barricaded suspect incident north of the city, the men and women of dispatch and our department, other responders and community members demonstrated the highest level of teamwork, tenacity and dedication to locate the reported kidnapping victim,” said Chris Noeller , Pueblo police chief, in a news release.

“False reports waste countless manpower and resources, not only in our community but also in surrounding areas, limiting law enforcement’s ability to respond to additional needs. Our department is grateful that the juvenile was safe during this incident.”

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Questions, comments or story tips? Contact Justin at [email protected]. Follow him on X, formerly known as Twitter@jayreutter1. Support local news and subscribe to The Pueblo Chieftain at subscribe.chieftain.com.

Pueblo police say the “abducted” teen was never actually missing

ByVanessa

By Vanessa

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