Mom killed during Peoria abduction; Amber Alert canceled after child found

PHOENIX — An Amber Alert for an infant abducted in Peoria on Tuesday night was canceled early Wednesday after he was found abandoned but safe, but his mother was killed during the kidnapping attempt.

Authorities received calls Tuesday evening with a report of domestic violence. The boy’s mother, Brittanie Martie, who has custody, was loading him into her vehicle when the noncustodial parent, Eric Maes, showed up at the residence. The suspect stole the vehicle with the child inside and left the area.

Martie tried to keep her hands on the vehicle but was thrown off, and she died of serious injuries at a hospital.

Baby Abel Maes was found alone in the vehicle near 25th and Dunlap avenues around 1 a.m. after someone called Peoria police about him.

UPDATE: AMBER Alert Cancelled – Child Located Safe
Abel Maes was located and is safe.
Eric Maes is still outstanding & is considered dangerous. Anyone who sees Eric or has information regarding his location is encouraged to contact the @PeoriaPoliceAZ https://t.co/XMBgFeJO4r pic.twitter.com/lowMy3BfpY

— Peoria Police (AZ) (@PeoriaPoliceAZ) February 10, 2021

The 30-year-old kidnapping suspect is approximately 5-foot-11 and 140 pounds with short brown hair and brown eyes.

Authorities say he was last seen on foot in the area of Interstate 17 and Cactus Road in Phoenix after abandoning the vehicle.

Anyone with information regarding this incident, please call 911.

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