Girl and non-custodial mom from Amber Alert found in church in Bellingham, police say

BELLINGHAM, Wash. -- Police said they found a B.C. girl and her non-custodial mom -- focus of an Amber Alert -- in the Assumption Catholic Church in Bellingham Monday afternoon.

Bellingham Police tweeted that the mother was taken into custody for custodial interference, and the girl was placed into protective custody. Both were safe.

Earlier, their car was found in the parking lot of Bellingham hotel.

The Amber Alert had been issued at the request of police in British Columbia.

The New Westminster Police Department in B.C. said in a news release, "During a custody visit, the mother of 9 year old Makayla Estrada-Weber is believed to have taken her during the custody visit, violating a court order.

"The New Westminster Police Major Crime Unit has taken conduct of the investigation. Detectives have determined that 48 year old Vancouver resident Wilma Estrada has entered into the United States with her daughter Makayla. Major Crime detectives are working closely with authorities in the United States to locate both mother and daughter.

"Ms. Estrada is believed to be driving a grey 2003 Toyota Corolla with British Columbia license plates 228MJT.

“At this point we do not know the purpose of violating the court order, but we are working hard with our American partners to safely locate both mother and daughter,” stated Media Relations Officer Acting Sergeant Jeff Scott. “Our detectives have issued an Amber Alert in the United States, and anyone who has information about their whereabouts is asked to call us immediately.”

It was first reported that Makayla Weber and Wilma Weber are thought to be in a gray 2003 Toyota Corolla, but Bellingham Police later tweeted that they had found that vehicle on Samish Way near Coachman Inn; no occupants in it.