Phoenix Movers Help Rescue Abducted 3-Year-Old
PHOENIX — A Phoenix moving company played a crucial role in the safe recovery of a 3-year-old girl after she was allegedly abducted from her Avondale home on February 21st. Employees of Camelback Moving Inc. Sprang into action when they recognized the child and the suspected abductor at a local gas station, effectively blocking the suspect’s vehicle until police arrived.
Kehlani Rogers was found safe and in good health, according to the Avondale Police Department. The incident prompted an Amber Alert that reached the Camelback Moving crew while they were stopped at a QuikTrip.
Chad Olsen, president and founder of Camelback Moving, explained that several of his employees were taking a routine break before starting their workday. “Like most moving companies and trades workers, before they hit their job, they stop and get coffee, donuts, energy drinks,” Olsen said in an interview. “We had eight gentlemen there, three trucks, and the security guard that we were familiar with at the QT notified us that he thought that the Amber Alert suspect had just walked in with the child.”
A security guard at the QuikTrip, having seen the Amber Alert, immediately alerted the moving crew to the possible sighting. The crew quickly formulated a plan to prevent the suspect, identified as 23-year-old Marina Noriega, from leaving with the child.
“The crews ultimately decided to block the vehicle that the security guard believed Noriega was driving,” Olsen stated. Within approximately 90 seconds, Phoenix police arrived on the scene and took Noriega into custody.
Olsen expressed pride in his employees’ quick thinking and willingness to get involved. “I know many of these men and their character, and our core values and giving back to the community, and I was really proud to listen to the dash cam conversation of them … and deciding to get involved and take action,” he said. “It just really proves that these Amber Alerts work, and good people are out there.”
The timing of the incident was particularly noteworthy, as Camelback Moving was concurrently participating in training through Truckers Against Trafficking, a program developed by the Arizona Department of Public Safety and the Arizona Trucking Association. This program aims to educate truckers and movers on recognizing potential human trafficking situations.
“Truckers, movers are in a unique position to prevent this or to at least recognize some of the signs of trafficking that occur because we’re in the homes,” Olsen explained. “…Other service providers may not have this engagement.”
Noriega is currently in custody at the Avondale Police Department and will be booked into the Maricopa County Jail system. She faces multiple charges related to the abduction of Kehlani Rogers. According to reports, Noriega was a recently-met acquaintance of Rogers’ family. Police stated that Rogers was not harmed during the incident.
The successful recovery highlights the importance of community awareness and the impact of Amber Alerts, as well as the willingness of ordinary citizens to intervene in critical situations.
