Police nab kidnapping suspect, rescue girl, 4, near Terre Haute

Landaverde/ Vigo Co. Jail

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By Lucy Perry
Indiana Central News

Ohio authorities are praising the work of local law enforcement agencies after they rescued a a 4-year-old kidnapping victim from her abductor Wednesday evening.

 Gil A.Landaverde, 37, of Indianapolis, was booked into the Vigo County Jail around 9:30 p.m. 

Officials note this was not Landaverde's first kidnapping attempt.

In fact, investigation revealed Landaverde had an arrest warrant out of Marion County, Indiana, for an unrelated kidnapping of another child. Charges are now pending in both states.

Ultimately, tracking technology was used to locate the suspect vehicle --- four-and- a half -hours away from the girl's Whitehall, Ohio home, in Vigo County.

Andrea Umana was located safe in Indiana after a kidnapping attemt in Ohio/ Whitehall Police Department photo

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The girl was found safe and sound near Terre Haute after being taken from outside her home, without her parents’ knowledge, by a family member, Indiana State Police Sgt. Matt Ames said.

An amber alert was issued in Ohio Wedneday morning advising the suspect was believed to be heading out of state with the young girl -- who was described as last seen wearing a "Frozen" themed dress.
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The Indiana State Police were alerted to a possible location around 9:20 p.m.

Trooper Andrew Mattern, from the Putnamville State Police Post, initiated a traffic stop on Interstate 70 near the ten mile marker.

Ames said the missing child was found in the vehicle, safe and sound.

"Thankfully, she was unharmed," Ames said.

According to Whitehall Police Department Lt. Brian Smith, the child only speaks Spanish.  She is being reunited with her parents.

The Whitehall Police Department credits quick action by local law enforcement for apprehending the suspect.

"The Whitehall Police Department would like to thank the Indiana State Police in providing assistance in this investigation," Smith stated in a press release Wednesday night.

This is an ongoing investigation by the Whitehall Police Department.  The Indiana State Police will continue to assist. 
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Assisting: Troopers of the Putnamville State Police Post, Terre Haute City Police Department and Vigo County Department of Child Services.