ALTOONA, Pa. — A Pennsylvania man charged with kidnapping in the pre-Christmas disappearance of his 2-year-old daughter surrendered and turned the girl over to police after a seven-hour standoff late Monday night.
Police arrested 32-year-old Tex Ortiz and returned Jaleeyah Ortiz to relatives in Wilkinsburg after a tip led officers to a home in Altoona where they were holed up.
SWAT officers surrounded the house and a hostage negotiator was called in to compel Tex Ortiz to peacefully end his two weeks on the run.
Police say Tex took off with Jaleeyah amid a custody dispute with the girl's grandmother, Lori Clark.
Clark was awarded custody after Tex missed a Dec. 19 hearing. She says he sent a text message saying Jaleeyah would be staying with him.
Only Channel 11 News has video of Jaleeyah opening the Christmas presents that were waiting for her on Tuesday morning.
“She was all smiles like she had never left,” Clark said.
Clark says Jaleeyah’s safe return is the best gift she could receive.
“Thank you. That’s what I have been asking for all along,” she said.
Tex Ortiz remains in the Blair County Jail charged with kidnapping and interfering with child custody.
Clark said she has no ill-will against Tex and she’s leaving the door open for him to be a part of his daughter’s life.
“He will need some counseling, but hopefully one day, he’ll get himself together and be active in her life,” Clark said.
Clark said she’s taken the rest of the week off to get Jaleeyah get settled and back into a routine.
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