The Caddo Parish Sheriff’s Office announced that a missing 13-year-old juvenile from Keithville has been found safe following a multi-agency investigation spanning Louisiana and Texas.

According to CPSO, Merlin Argueta was reported missing on May 7, 2026. During the investigation, detectives developed information regarding possible locations connected to the juvenile and requested an Amber Alert through the Texas Department of Public Safety.

Shortly after the alert was issued, investigators received tips leading authorities to a vehicle believed to have been used in the abduction. Officers with the Allen Police Department made contact with Arlin Hernandez Dubon, who reportedly told investigators he drove Daniel Osman Vasquez Mejia to the residence where the juvenile was taken without parental consent.

Authorities said Dubon later provided information about the location of the juvenile and Vasquez Mejia. Allen Police officers then located both individuals.

Daniel Osman Vasquez Mejia was detained and arrested by the Collin County Sheriff’s Office on a charge of harboring a runaway.

Investigators also obtained a warrant for simple kidnapping under Louisiana Revised Statute 14:45. The warrant was signed by Judge Don Hathaway on May 8, 2026.

The juvenile is currently safe and in the custody of the Texas Department of Family and Protective Services while arrangements are made for her return to her parents.

Officials said the investigation remains ongoing to determine whether additional criminal offenses occurred while the juvenile was missing.

Caddo Parish Sheriff Henry Whitehorn Sr. thanked the Allen Police Department, Collin County Sheriff’s Office, Texas Department of Public Safety, and all assisting agencies for their efforts in safely recovering the child. He also recognized Detective Christopher Ardoin and Sgt. Jared Marshall for their work on the case.