Atlanta police on Friday canceled a Levi’s Call after a 16-year-old girl believed to be abducted by her father was found safe in Texas.

The alert, Georgia’s version of an Amber Alert, was activated Thursday afternoon after Jeily Castellanos was kidnapped, according to police. Investigators initially believed she and her father, 39-year-old Melvin Castellanos, were headed to North Carolina.

They were located in Crystal City, Texas, after local police spotted the man’s black Ford Explorer, Atlanta police spokesman Officer Anthony Grant said Friday morning. Melvin Castellanos was arrested during a traffic stop.

“He has been charged with kidnapping and currently awaiting extradition,” Grant said. “We are still working on reuniting the victim with the family.”

The teen’s mother called for help after the girl vanished from their home on La Dawn Lane about 10 a.m. Thursday, according to Grant. She told police that Melvin Castellanos had taken her daughter from the home “without authorization.”

“Investigators are working to determine the circumstances surrounding the incident,” Grant said.

No further information about the alleged abduction was provided Friday.

About the Authors

Keep Reading

If the Senate's version of the One Big Beautiful Bill Act passes, the 30% federal tax credits offered for clean energy installations — such as these solar panels being installed atop an Ellenwood home in 2022 — would be sunset by the end of 2025. (Jason Getz/AJC 2022)

Credit: Jason Getz / Jason.Getz@ajc.com

Featured

Senate Majority Leader John Thune, R-S.D. (center) is flanked by GOP whip Sen. John Barrasso, R-Wyo. (left) and Finance Committee Chairman Mike Crapo, R-Idaho, as Thune speak to reporters at the Capitol in Washington on Tuesday, July 1, 2025. Earlier Tuesday, the Senate passed the budget reconciliation package of President Donald Trump's signature bill of big tax breaks and spending cuts. (J. Scott Applewhite/AP)

Credit: AP