April Brinkman was arrested just west of the Idaho border by Oregon State Police; her son Benjamin was safely recovered and reunited with his father
A woman who reportedly abducted her son from Clark County Monday was arrested early Tuesday morning in Oregon.
The Clark County Sheriff’s Office (CCSO) collaborated with local and federal agencies and obtained information indicating April Brinkman and her vehicle were spotted at a gas station in Umatilla County, OR. This information led to Oregon State Police locating the vehicle on Interstate 84, heading east, just after 1 a.m. Tuesday (June 6).
Brinkman attempted to elude law enforcement, who did not pursue her for the safety of the child in the vehicle. Tire deflation devices were successfully deployed which rendered the vehicle inoperable in a safe manner.
The 51-year-old Brinkman was arrested in Malheur County, OR, just west of the Idaho border, by Oregon State Police. Her 6-year-old son Benjamin was safely recovered and reunited with his father. April Brinkman faces charges of Residential Burglary, Custodial Interference, and Attempting to Elude Police.
CCSO officials extended great thanks to the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children, Abducted Minor Broadcast Emergency Response (AMBER) Alert Program, Vancouver Police Department, the Federal Bureau of Investigation, Oregon State Police, and Baker City Police Department for their extensive efforts in assisting with this investigation and the safe recovery of this child.
CCSO officials were seeking help from the public to locate Brinkman and the child. On Monday (June 5) at about 7:44 p.m., CCSO deputies were dispatched to 6401 NE 52nd Street in Vancouver.
James Fargher had reported that his 6-year-old son Benjamin had been taken from his residence by Benjamin’s mother, April Brinkman, who does not have custodial rights over the child. Benjamin was taken from April by New Mexico CPS officials approximately a week prior for reasons of neglect. It was believed April was taking Benjamin back to New Mexico via Interstate 84.
Brinkman was driving a 2013 Acura RDX bearing license plate (OR 787FZE). The RDX is gold in color.
Information provided by Clark County Sheriff’s Office.
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