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14-year-old at center of Austin-area Amber Alert located, suspect in custody

The alert was issued Thursday night. On Friday, police said she was located.

AUSTIN, Texas — An AMBER Alert issued Thursday night for a 14-year-old from Buda, who police believed was abducted, has been discontinued.

The Austin Police Department reports that suspect Hector Avila, 28, has been taken into custody on an outstanding warrant.

Members of the U.S. Marshals Lonestar Fugitive Task Force found the teenager and Avila in the 8400 block of Riverstone Drive in Austin after the APD requested assistance from the task force. Authorities returned the teen to her custodial parent and the suspect was taken to the APD. 

Avila was described as a Hispanic man that is 4 feet, 9 inches tall, 130 pounds with brown hair, brown eyes and multiple tattoos on his shoulder. 

Credit: Austin Police Department
Hector Avila, 28

Authorities initially believed the girl was in grave or immediate danger. Her last known location was in Austin on Jan. 20.

The Justice for Victims of Trafficking Act of 2015 enhanced the U.S. Marshals Service authority to assist law enforcement agencies with the recovery of missing, endangered, or abducted children, regardless of whether a fugitive or sex offender was involved. In 2021, the agency has recovered 950 missing children.

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