Father arrested after missing Atlanta teen found safe in Texas

Melvin Castellanos, 39, was arrested during a traffic stop
Melvin Castellanos, 39, was arrested during a traffic stop in Crystal City, Texas.

Credit: Stock Photo

Credit: Stock Photo

Melvin Castellanos, 39, was arrested during a traffic stop in Crystal City, Texas.

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.