BRADENTON, Fla. – An Amber Alert was cancelled Friday morning after four Brandenton children were found safe, according to the Florida Department of Law Enforcement.
ABC Action News in Tampa (WFTS) reported the children were located in Eufaula, Alabama just after midnight Friday. Two guests at the Hampton Inn recognized the children from the Amber Alert and saw them playing in the lobby area playing.
Recommended Videos
Officers found the mother of the children, Jamia Gadeaun and took her into custody. The children all appeared to be in good health according to WFTS.
The search for the Manatee County children began after an Amber Alert was issued Wednesday night. Joseph Gadeaun, a 10-year-old boy, Jacqueline Gadeaun, an 8-year-old girl, Jowella Gadeaun, a 12-year-old girl, and Jocelyn Gadeaun, a 6-year-old girl, were all last seen in Bradenton.
Officers believed they were taken by their mother, who does not have legal custody of the children.
According to WFTS, Gadeaun was arrested and taken to the Eufaula City Jail where she awaits an extradition hearing.
"She has a pattern of acting erratically which could lead to danger for the children", said MCSO spokesperson Dave Bristow when the Amber Alert was first issued.
"We applaud the attentiveness of the guests that recognized the children and their quick action in notifying our agency," said Chief Steve Watkins with the Eufaula Police Department. "The patrol officer’s response was centered on the children’s safety, and we are pleased that the incident was resolved professionally and peacefully."