MADISON WILSON - 2 yo - / Arrested: Father Robert Williamson Jr - New Haven, CT

Amber Alert canceled after missing 2-year-old found safe, father in custody (video)

Published: Wednesday, January 16, 2013

NEW HAVEN — A 2-year-old girl was safely returned to her mother Wednesday afternoon after her biological father allegedly kidnapped her from a babysitter at her mother’s home.

Madison Wilson was being cared for at her mother’s residence when her father, Robert Williamson Jr., knocked at the door, police said. Williamson allegedly pushed past the babysitter and abducted Madison, police said.

Madison’s mother called police shortly before 11 a.m. about the incident.

An Amber Alert was issued around 1:15 p.m.

“The minute this was confirmed as a kidnapping, every single resource available to the New Haven Police Department, including the resources of surrounding towns and state agencies, swung into effect,” New Haven police spokesman Officer David Hartman said. “This was an all-out dragnet across the area to find this child.”

The FBI and state police also sent out agents and other resources to help find Madison, Hartman said.

Williamson was suspected to be traveling in a teal Dodge Intrepid. He allegedly threatened to kill himself and Madison, according to police. He is reported to have a mental illness.

“The Amber Alert was issued as soon as we realized that this was a kidnapping. ... It is that and not a custodial interference,” said Hartman.

Williamson has no legal custody for Madison, he said. There are also multiple domestic restraining orders against him.

Police chased down several leads from citizens who reported having seen the vehicle.


“Lt. (Martin) Tchakirides and his patrol officers along with ISU did a fantastic job of running down all possible leads,” Assistant Police Chief Archie Generoso said.

Family members and friends of the Wilson family helped police locate and bring Williamson into custody, said Generoso.

Williamson contacted police after hearing about the Amber Alert and said he would drop off Madison at the state Department of Children and Families on Long Wharf Drive. Police persuaded him to meet at West River Wine and Spirits on Orange Avenue because it was closer to his location.

Williamson was taken into custody and is being charged with reckless endangerment of a child. There will be additional charges, pending a more thorough investigation, Hartman said.

Amber Alerts require a confirmed kidnapping or threat of imminent physical harm to a child, as well as a specific abductor, Hartman said. There also must be information about a specific vehicle being used in the kidnapping, although there is some flexibility for requirements.

http://nhregister.com/articles/2013/01/16/news/doc50f6f33b7be54960205340.txt?viewmode=fullstory