Lafayette County, MO – On December 18, 2025, Missouri State Highway Patrol troopers launched a high-stakes response after an AMBER Alert was issued out of Columbia.

Within just 15 minutes, troopers located the suspect vehicle using license plate reader technology and tips from vigilant citizens.

The suspect initially fled from Cpl. Ryun but was forced to stop as officers from the Patrol, Concordia Police Department, and Higginsville Police Department converged and deployed tire deflation devices.

The children were safely transported back to Columbia, where they were reunited with their family.

This rapid recovery highlights the power of swift alerts, citizen engagement, and coordinated law enforcement action in protecting vulnerable children.

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