Man arrested in New Mexico after leaving Nodaway County with two children

NODAWAY COUNTY, Mo. (KQTV) -- A man was taken into custody Tuesday in New Mexico after leaving Nodaway County, Missouri with two juveniles.

According to a press release from the Nodaway County Sheriff's Office, on May 26, 2026, the sheriff's office received a court order to transport two juveniles in the custody of the Nodaway County Children's Division.

The two were in the custody of the state, but were living with a man and another juvenile in the county. The sheriff's office states that the man was not a biological parent and did not have parental rights.

According to the release, just before 1 p.m., deputies attempted to serve the order, but were unable to make contact with anyone at the man's house. The press release also states that the man's vehicle was missing from the property.

At 1:09 p.m., the man's vehicle was located traveling near Santa Rosa, New Mexico.

According to the sheriff's office, the Children's Division said the man knew he was not to leave Missouri without requesting to do so and no request had been made.

An Endangered Person Advisory was issued for the juveniles. An arrest warrant was also issued for the man for kidnapping.

The Nodaway County Sheriff's Office reports that just after 9 p.m., the man had been taken into custody and the juveniles were recovered.

"I'm incredible proud of my deputies and the quick coordination between the Nodaway County Sheriff's Office, the United States Marshals Service, New Mexico State Police, and all assisting agencies in New Mexico," Sheriff Austin Hann stated in the press release. "As a result of everyone's collective efforts, two endangered juveniles were safely recovered and a suspect was taken into custody without incident, all within a matter of hours. The Nodaway County Sheriff's Office is grateful for the excellent teamwork shown by the agencies across the country to ensure the safety and safe return of these children from our community."