After an AMBER Alert was issued for missing 15-month-old Matheo Vasquez, who was last seen in the 15000 block of Green Stone in Houston, one of the boy’s relatives has been charged with kidnapping.
IMPORTANT UPDATE: Missing 15-month-old boy at center of AMBER Alert found safe
Authorities believe Matheo is with 25-year-old Jason Irwin Vasquez, Matheo’s uncle. He is now wanted on a charge of kidnapping, and he was last seen driving a 2016 dark gray GMC Sierra 4-door pickup truck, Texas license plate JZY5720.
On Monday, Joel Vasquez, Matheo’s father, appeared in court after being arrested for a felony charge of interference with child custody. He was told he will not be given bond until Matheo is found.
Harris County Sheriff’s Office told KPRC 2 that Jason took the boy without permission, and his family wants him returned home. The source would not provide a reason as to why the uncle took the child, and he wouldn’t say he specifically thinks Matheo is in danger at this time.
Matheo lived at a home in northwest Harris County with Joel and Jason. A neighbor told KPRC 2′s Joy Addison that the boy seemed to be well taken care of.
Neighbor: ”[Jason and Joel] were good guys, you know, I saw them playing with a kid outside all the time. I said hi to them, you know, they’re across from my house. That’s all I can say. You know, they’re good guys. I don’t think there was any intention to be put to be portrayed as criminals or something. I mean, Joe was the dad. Jason’s the uncle and was playing with a kid here. Now, I don’t know what’s inside was between the parents.”
KPRC 2′s Joy Addison: “Now, [Jason] could be facing kidnaping charges or he’s wanted for kidnaping. Any messages or advice to him?
Neighbor: “I would advise Jason, as a friend, I would tell him, you know, since we’re neighbors here, I would tell him, you know, bring the baby, come home safe, you know, to the to the mom, and try to resolve this and, you know, call him situation, you know, bring families together. Whatever you have to do or through the law and, you know, resolve this in a in the best way, the best manner possible.”
Matheo is described as a Hispanic boy, weighing 25 pounds, with brown hair and brown eyes. He was wearing a black sweater and black pants.
If you have any information or have seen Matheo or Jason, call the Harris County Sheriff’s Office at 713-221-6000 or dial 911.