San Antonio Child Disappears in Early Morning Hours, AMBER Alert Issued and Later Cancelled Safely
San Antonio, Texas, witnessed a tense and alarming morning when 4-year-old Leah Calderon was reported missing just after 5 a.m. on the northeast side of the city. The disappearance sparked an immediate response from authorities, leading to the issuance of an AMBER Alert that spread quickly across Texas. Concerned residents and officials alike mobilized to assist in locating the child as the situation gained statewide attention.
Authorities stated that Leah was last believed to be with 34-year-old Britany Zepeda. Zepeda was reported to have been driving a white 2020 Nissan Kicks, which had front-end damage and a black roof. The details of the alert were widely shared, with law enforcement urging anyone who had seen the vehicle or the individuals to call authorities immediately. This information played a crucial role in drawing public involvement during the search.
Descriptions provided in the AMBER Alert outlined Leah as standing 3 feet tall with brown hair and brown eyes, details meant to help community members recognize her quickly. Meanwhile, Zepeda was listed as 4 feet, 11 inches tall, with hazel eyes, making it possible for those who encountered them to identify both individuals. These descriptions were broadcast on television, radio, and social media platforms across the region.
The morning and afternoon hours carried an unsettling weight for Leah’s family and community, as residents monitored every update from police and media outlets. AMBER Alerts are known to galvanize communities, and this case was no exception, with Texans across multiple cities actively sharing the alert in hopes of bringing the child home safely.
By the evening, significant relief swept through the San Antonio area. At approximately 9:37 p.m., police confirmed that Leah had been found safe, ending the day-long concern and uncertainty. Authorities quickly cancelled the AMBER Alert following her recovery. The swift resolution brought closure to a case that had drawn urgent attention only hours earlier.
No injuries were reported, and Leah’s safe return offered reassurance that community awareness and rapid law enforcement action had made a decisive difference. Officials, however, released limited details regarding the circumstances under which Leah was located or what prompted the disappearance earlier that morning.
The outcome reinforced the effectiveness of the AMBER Alert system, which was created to rapidly inform the public in situations involving missing children believed to be in danger. The system relies heavily on public cooperation, and in Leah’s case, widespread sharing and vigilance contributed to a quick resolution.
For Leah’s family, the relief was immeasurable, with the safe return of their child overshadowing the fears that had haunted them throughout the day. Community members expressed gratitude that the situation did not escalate into something more tragic.
Law enforcement officials reminded the public of the importance of paying attention to alerts and reporting any suspicious activity promptly. While this case concluded safely, they emphasized that time is always critical when a child goes missing.
San Antonio residents now reflect on a day that began with fear and uncertainty but ended in relief, a reminder of the power of swift action, public awareness, and community vigilance in safeguarding children.
