Authorities found an 11-day-old baby safe nearly 200 miles from home after an alleged abduction in Arizona.
Videos by Wide Open Country
Investigators say the newborn's father took him from his home in Surprise on Friday night without permission.
According to Lieutenant Tim Klarkowski, the baby's father allegedly took the infant without permission despite having no custodial rights.
Deputies with the Navajo County Sheriff's Office later located and intercepted the suspect's vehicle near Winslow, Arizona.
Baby Kidnapped Before Dramatic Rescue
The operation began after authorities issued an urgent "Attempt to Locate" alert to law enforcement agencies across the state.
As officers searched for the vehicle, deputies from the Navajo County Sheriff's Office and Arizona Department of Public Safety troopers coordinated efforts across northern Arizona highways.
On Saturday morning, authorities spotted the vehicle near Winslow traveling at a high rate of speed.
Officers safely stopped the vehicle and recovered the infant without injury.
Authorities transported the infant to a medical facility as a precaution before reuniting him with his mother, the sheriff's office said.
"We appreciate the assistance of Arizona DPS and are grateful this incident had a safe outcome," a statement read.
Investigation Into Abduction Continues
Authorities continue to investigate the alleged abduction and plan to finalize formal charges once the investigation is complete.
Klarkowski praised detectives for working throughout the night to locate the child.
"Surprise Police detectives were able to intervene and worked diligently through the night. By investigating this case diligently and thoroughly, and communicating with other agencies, the child was located safely," Klarkowski told Fox News.
Navajo County Sheriff David Clouse said law enforcement treats incidents involving infants "very seriously."
"We are incredibly grateful that this infant was located safely and returned unharmed," he said. "This successful recovery is a testament to the outstanding partnership between our law enforcement agencies."
"The timely sharing of information, combined with the coordinated efforts of every agency involved, made it possible to quickly locate the vehicle and bring this incident to a safe resolution."
Clouse also thanked the agencies involved for their "professionalism, communication, and teamwork" throughout the operation.
Officials have not publicly identified the suspect. Officials expect to release additional information as the investigation progresses.
