*** Editor’s Note: WAVY TV 10 is no longer naming the children involved in this case.
HAMPTON, Va. (WAVY) — Two Hampton children who were subjects of an Amber Alert were located safely in North Dakota Monday night, police confirmed Tuesday.
Their father, Timothy Truitt, was also located and taken into custody around 10 p.m. Monday, during a traffic stop. Truitt had an outstanding warrant for felony abduction.
He’s being held at the Burleigh-Morton Detention Center in Bismarck, North Dakota.
Hampton Police said the Burleigh County Sheriff’s Department contacted them shortly after midnight that they had Truitt in custody. There were two other adults with him.
Truitt and the two other adults are not facing additional charges in connection with the traffic stop.
The children, ages 1 and 2, were taken to the hospital for evaluation. They were then released to Child Protective Services.
Burleigh County Sheriff’s Office also arrested Amelia Hamilton, the children’s mother. She’s been charged with child neglect, possession of methamphetamine (second offense) and unlawful possession of drug paraphernalia.
The Amber Alert was issued Monday afternoon, more than 24 hours after the two small children went missing in Hampton.
According to Hampton police, the children were last seen on Sunday, October 16 around 2:35 p.m. at the Walmart located at 1900 Cunningham Drive. Police said the children were taken by their father, 36-year-old Timothy Truitt.
A preliminary investigation revealed that the children’s legal guardian transported the children and Truitt to Walmart. While in the building, Truitt separated himself and the children and exited Walmart with an unknown man.
Timothy Truitt was last seen driving a maroon sedan. Police released an image of the vehicle on Monday.
Virginia State Police issued the Amber Alert late Monday afternoon on behalf of the Hampton Police Division, stating the children were believed to be in “extreme danger.” Timothy Truitt is also a registered sex offender in both Virginia and North Carolina.
10 On Your Side asked Hampton Police why it took more than 24 hours to issue the Amber Alert. Cpl. Ernie Williams said it took that long to ensure the case met the criteria.
WAVY’s working to learn more about the case, including the North Dakota connection and whether the unidentified man seen with Truitt at the Walmart in Hampton was also taken into custody. Check back for updates.