Houston Police Department

April 12, 2006 -- On Wednesday, April 12, 2006, the Houston Police Department received a request from investigators in Collier County, Florida to assist in locating a vehicle involved in a child abduction case from Naples, Florida. Information provided by Florida officials led HPD officers to the apartment complex located at 7651 Gulfton. The vehicle was located in the parking lot of the complex and recovered. Further investigation by HPD officers, assisted by FBI investigators, led to the arrest of the suspect and the recovery of the child in an apartment at that location. The occupants of the apartment were cooperative in the investigation and are not believed to have been involved in the abduction of the child.

The child, Omar Moralez (w/m three years of age), was released by HPD to Children Protective Services for evaluation. Arrangements are being made at this time by Collier County officials to reunite the child with his family. The suspect, Juan Carlos Morales-Diaz (w/m 10/22/86), who is not related to the child, is being transferred to the Harris County Jail where he will be held pending extradition to Florida to face charges for Interference with Child Custody - Non Relative and Auto Theft.

Any other questions regarding this case should be referred to the Collier County Sheriff's Department in Florida.

DJC/MES
Incident # 57604606

For additional information, please contact the HPD Public Affairs Division at 713-308-3200.