Missing 4-year-old found after Amber Alert, police say

Shelton Police on Wednesday arrested a man who had allegedly abducted his young son from relatives, which led to an Amber Alert.

Police responded to an alleged assault around 12:30 p.m. in the Mason County town, according to the city of Shelton.

During the incident, a 3-year-old child who was living with relatives was allegedly taken by his biological father. State Patrol earlier in the day described the boy as a 4-year-old.

Later, a Shelton police officer saw the father and tried to make a traffic stop, but the vehicle allegedly didn't stop, and a brief pursuit ensued, according to the city. The officer broke off the pursuit when learning that the child might be inside the vehicle.

The unoccupied vehicle was found shortly after in a wooded area, prompting an Amber Alert.

Around 4 p.m., a homeowner in Shelton found the father and child, and was able to secure the child as the father fled into a wooded area, according to the city.

Law enforcement caught up with the father and took him into custody. Medics evaluated the child, who is in good condition, according to the city.

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This story was originally published May 20, 2026 at 5:01 PM.