Beaverton toddler found safe after brief Amber Alert; mother faces kidnapping charges
Three-year-old Joshua Ovalles was found safe in Beaverton, Oregon, on Thursday afternoon, leading to the cancellation of an Amber Alert issued after he went missing on Tuesday. Oregon State Police (OSP) and Beaverton Police Department (BPD) coordinated the search, noting that the child’s non-custodial mother, Mari Martinez, had allegedly threatened harm and may have been armed. Martinez was last seen in a white 2022 Mercedes SUV. The child has been recovered, and the mother is now facing charges for kidnapping.
Key points
- Joshua Ovalles, age 3, went missing around 10:05 a.m. on Tuesday near SW Western Avenue and SW Beaverton Hillsdale Highway in Beaverton, Oregon.
- An Amber Alert was issued by Oregon State Police, citing concerns that non-custodial parent Mari Martinez had made previous threats of harm to the child and might be armed with a gun.
- Martinez was reportedly last seen in a white 2022 Mercedes SUV with Oregon plate MAMIII; investigators found the vehicle in Beaverton just before the alert was canceled at 7:30 p.m. on Tuesday.
- Beaverton police released surveillance footage on Wednesday night showing Martinez pulling a black wagon and wearing all-black clothing near SW Western and SW 5th Ave around 10 a.m.
- Joshua Ovalles was found safe on Thursday afternoon, prompting the cancellation of the Amber Alert; Mari Martinez is now facing charges for kidnapping.
Background
This incident follows a pattern of recent Amber Alerts in the region, including a September case in Albuquerque where a grandmother was taken into custody after a child was found, and a September case in Monterey involving a father charged with felonies related to a child’s death. In October 2026, the Beaverton case highlights ongoing concerns about non-custodial parents and the rapid response mechanisms of local police and state authorities in child abduction cases.
Why it matters
The swift resolution of this Amber Alert underscores the effectiveness of coordinated efforts between local police and state agencies in recovering missing children. It also highlights the critical role of public vigilance and the use of surveillance technology in tracking suspects. The case serves as a reminder of the risks associated with family disputes and the importance of clear legal boundaries in custody arrangements.
What to watch
Mari Martinez is expected to face formal charges for kidnapping. The investigation into the circumstances of the disappearance and the alleged threats will continue, with authorities likely seeking to determine the full extent of the risk posed to the child. The community is encouraged to remain vigilant and report any suspicious activity.
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