MESA, Ariz. — The Mesa Police Department is asking for the public's help locating four juveniles taken by their non-custodial father Sunday.
Police said Dequan, 8, Tatiana, 10, Lashaun, 13, and Devon Washington, 14, were taken by their non-custodial father, Devon M. Washington, during a supervised visitation at the Bell Bank Sports Complex near Pecos and Ellsworth roads. He has not returned the children to the Department of Child Safety custody.
Authorities said they are believed to be in a white 2016 Toyota Rav4 with Arizona license plate N9A25H. The vehicle has dents on the front driver's side fender.
Mesa police said Devon M. Washington has a history of drug abuse, violent tendencies and mental health issues.
Mesa police initially said an Amber Alert would be issued for the missing children. The department later said reviewing the case, the Department of Public Safety would not be issuing an Amber Alert but instead a Missing and Endangered Person Alert (MEPA).
Police said the reason for this change was it was determined that the father had never hurt or threatened to hurt the children. They were no indications that he would harm them, so the case does not rise to the level of an Amber Alert.
If anyone has any information on the children, their father, or the vehicle, please contact Mesa police at 480-644-2211.
VERSIÓN EN ESPAÑOL: La policía de Mesa busca a 4 niños que se los llevo su padre quien no tiene custodia
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