Suspect Arrested Shortly After Sturgis Amber Alert Was Issued

Police in Sturgis say a man is in custody following a brief Amber Alert Thursday morning. 37-year-old Fernando Mendoza Cruz allegedly assaulted the mother of his children Wednesday night at their home on Pioneer Street before abducting the three kids. A police chase ensued venturing into Indiana, but officers did not know that he had the kids at that time. He reportedly was able to elude police when he drove back into Michigan.

An Amber Alert was issued at around 8:00am for the children, ages 2, 4 and 5. Sturgis authorities had been working with other area law enforcement agencies and learned that at some point, Cruz had returned to the home in Sturgis. After police contacted him, he reportedly agreed to turn himself in.

Cruz was arrested just after 9:00am. He is charged for domestic violence and fleeing and eluding police, but could face additional charges. The children are being evaluated but reportedly appeared to be in good health when they were turned over to police.