Kit Roberts
Dash cam footage shows the split-second decision which ended up saving a child's life.
Kehlani Rogers, two, had disappeared from her home in Avondale, Arizona, at around 11.30pm on February 20.
Just a few days later she was spotted at a Phoenix-area QuikTrip after a security guard recognized her on Sunday morning after an amber alert was distributed the previous day.
The security guard sprang into action, calling on a moving team at the gas station for help after recognizing Kehlani and 23-year-old suspect Marina Noriega.
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Acting quickly, the moving van was able to manoeuvre in such a way that it blocked in Noriega's truck, preventing her from driving away.
Minutes afterwards, police arrived and took Noriega into custody, while Kehlani has now been reunited with her loved ones.
Chad Olsen, president of Camelback Moving, has subsequently spoken out about the incident and said that he is proud.
“We’re a moving company, so we’re not professional heroes by any means," he said.
"But to listen to the dash cam and watch the dash cam footage of the crew kind of identifying the situation and who this was, and putting the plan together that we’re going to block this truck in with our truck and not allow them to leave. I couldn’t be more proud."
He added: “We are incredibly proud of our community heroes: Robert Hernandez, Ralph Vollmert, Christopher Dixon, Kevin Place, Kevin Kimes, Gerardo Galacia, Kobe Brown and Michael Macallum for their courage, quick thinking and teamwork."
Police have since confirmed that Kehlani is now safe, and has not been hurt in the incident.
Gas station QuikTrip has also released a statement about the incident.
Corporate Communications Manager Aisha Jefferson said: “On Sunday morning, a QT Guardian at one of our Phoenix locations recognized two customers connected to an active Amber Alert and immediately alerted Phoenix Police Department. Law enforcement arrived promptly, secured the child, and took the suspects into custody."
Jefferson added: "We’re grateful for our Guardian’s attentiveness and quick thinking, and for the swift response and professionalism from the Phoenix Police Department. The safety of our employees, customers, and the communities we serve is a top priority.”
Noriega has reportedly 'denied having any plan for the child after she took her and denied intent to sell or harm the child'.
Avondale police have since said in a statement that Noriega has been booked, though police have not yet released any information about charges.