The abduction triggered an Amber Alert when the father declined to turn himself in, Cumberland County Prosecutor Jennifer Webb-McRae said on Thursday, Jan. 5.
Ramon B. Rivera, Jr., of Florence Ave. in Vineland, allegedly fled with the child from a Chick-fil-A at the Cumberland Mall on Wednesday evening, the prosecutor said.
Through investigation, City of Vineland detectives were able to contact Rivera and verify that the child was in his custody.
After the Amber Alert, the child was recovered safely in Logan Township, Webb-McRae said.
Rivera was taken into custody in Logan Township with the assistance of the United States Marshal’s Office and the New Jersey State Police Missing Person’s Unit.
Rivera was charged with simple assault,, possession of a weapon, child endangerment and harassment. He faces additional charges, the prosecutor said.
Later Thursday, Rivera was additionally charged with kidnapping, terroristic threats and an additional count of child endangerment, the prosecutor said.
Click here to follow Daily Voice Hamilton Township and receive free news updates.