Two people wanted in Maryland on kidnapping charges were arrested in Mississippi over the weekend with a juvenile connected to the case later confirmed to be safe.
According to the Columbia Police Department, officers conducted a traffic stop on Saturday for a speeding violation. During the stop, the driver was identified as Celso Galvez Morales. A records check showed he was a fugitive wanted in Maryland on kidnapping charges.
Morales was taken into custody without incident. A 4-month-old child, who was also in the vehicle, was turned over to the Mississippi Department of Child Protective Services.
As the investigation continued, officers identified Morales’ girlfriend, Laura Ignacio Martinez, as another suspect wanted in Maryland in connection with the same case. She was located and arrested Sunday without incident.
Later, after contacting the nearby Forrest County Sheriff’s Office, police confirmed that the juvenile identified as the victim in the kidnapping case had been found safe. Officials did not provide additional details about the victim or clarify how the 4-month-old found in the vehicle was connected to the suspects.
Columbia Police Chief Adrien Fortenberry praised the officers involved, crediting their proactive work during routine patrol for leading to the arrests.
“Incidents like this highlight the importance of proactive policing and thorough attention to detail,” Fortenberry said.
Both suspects are being held at the Marion County Correctional Facility pending extradition.