A statewide AMBER Alert originating out of Nebraska has been canceled after two allegedly abducted children were found safe and the suspect was arrested in Kansas.
The Kansas Bureau of Investigation says 30-year-old Tanner Leichleiter of Tekamah, Nebraska, was arrested in Wichita. Further details about the arrest are currently pending.
Leichleiter allegedly had 7-year-old Marco de la Garza and 4-year-old Isaac de la Garza in his SUV. The youngsters were safe when Leichleiter was stopped.
The Nebraska State Patrol requested the KBI’s assistance on the AMBER Alert shortly after 10 am. Leichleiter was considered armed, but authorities have not said whether he had a weapon at the time of his arrest. Authorities also have not confirmed any personal connection between Leichleiter and the boys, but NSP says “this was not a random abduction.”
Tekamah is about 260 miles north of Emporia.
10:35 am Monday: Amber Alert issued for missing Nebraska Children; suspect believed to be armed
Kansas residents are urged to be on the lookout for a kidnapping suspect who may be traveling in the area.
The Nebraska State Patrol contacted the Kansas Bureau of Investigation Monday morning requesting that a Kansas Amber Alert be issued after reports that two young victims had been forcibly taken by a suspect, identified as 30-year-old Tanner Joel Leicheiter, in Tekahma Neb. Leicheiter is described as a white male, 5’7″, 165 lbs with brown hair and green eyes and is believed to be driving a 2009 white Ford Expedition with the license plate number 31F325.
The two children have been identified as 4-year-old Isaac De La Garza and 7-year-old Marco De La Garza. Both boys have brown hair and were last seen wearing t-shirts and shorts. During the investigation, the NSP received information that Leicheiter may have been traveling southbound on Highway 81 into Kansas. Leicheiter is known to carry a handgun and is considered armed.
If you believe you have seen Leicheiter or either of the children you are asked to call 911 immediately or 1-800-KS-CRIME with additional information.
