Investigators found a vehicle in Texas believed to be involved with the disappearance of a 2-year-old boy from Midwest City. Here is the latest on the investigation.
By:
News 9
–
Investigators in Texas confirm a vehicle found in Amarillo is connected to a missing 2-year-old boy from Midwest City.
The Oklahoma Highway Patrol issued an Endangered Missing Advisory for Anthony Stroder in January, and the boy is believed to be with his non-custodial mother, 22-year-old Katelyn Thornton.
RELATED: Endangered Missing Advisory activated for 2-year-old boy out of Midwest City
According to CBS affiliate in Amarillo Texas, KFDA, the Potter County Sheriff’s Office said a vehicle believed to be driven by Thornton and her boyfriend, 26-year-old Aurelio Cardenas, was located in Amarillo.
The Potter County Sheriff’s Office Cardenas says is a registered sex offender and was arrested in 2019 by Amarillo police for solicitation of a minor.
“I believe the longer the child is missing, the further the endangerment becomes, Potter County Sheriff’s Office Sgt. Eric Hooker said. “Just based off of not being in his comfort zone, not being with, you know, accurate family members.”
Deputies say they were able to locate the vehicle that is believed to be the car Thornton and Cardenas were driving on Feb. 14. When found, the car did not have a license plate.
According to police, Claudia Cardenas, the mother of Aurelio Cardenas, was arrested on Feb. 21 for tampering with evidence.
The Oklahoma Highway Patrol lists Stroder as three feet tall and weighing roughly 27 pounds. Stroder has blonde hair and blue eyes.
Despite locating the vehicle, the Potter County Sheriff’s Office said there is no evidence suggesting Cardenas and Thornton are still in Amarillo.
