Authorities in Washington have successfully located 2-year-old Seraya Aung Harmon, who had been missing from Moscow, Idaho, since May 29. The toddler was found at a checkpoint near Santa Ana, Mexico, after an extensive search effort.
The incident unfolded when the toddler's father, 21-year-old Aaron Aung, allegedly failed to return Seraya to her mother's custody on June 3. Aung, along with his fiancée, 21-year-old Nadia Cole, reportedly fled to Mexico, prompting a multi-agency operation to bring them back to the United States.
Aung is currently in custody at the Santa Cruz County Detention Center in Nogales, Arizona, awaiting extradition on charges of Custodial Interference 1st Degree. Cole, who was deported back to the U.S., has been cooperating with authorities in the investigation.
The collaborative efforts of various law enforcement agencies, including the Pullman PD, Moscow Police Department, FBI, and Mexican authorities, led to the safe recovery of Seraya and the apprehension of Aung.
Cole's parents confirmed her safe return and stated that she is assisting in locating Aung and Seraya. The circumstances surrounding Cole's disappearance and the subsequent events remain under investigation.
Prior to their disappearance, Seraya was with Aung in Moscow, while Cole was last seen at Seattle International Airport. Aung and Cole were believed to have traveled to Mexico in a black 2014 Cadillac XTS with Idaho license plate 1L5147U.
An arrest warrant was issued for Aung on charges of first-degree custodial interference due to violating a court-ordered parenting plan. The case continues to unfold as authorities work to bring closure to the situation.
