UPDATE: Child Located - Clark County Sheriff's Office Seeks Public Assistance In Locating Abducted Child (Photo) - 06/06/23
UPDATE: The Clark County Sheriff's Office collaborated with local and federal agencies and obtained information indicating April Brinkman and her vehicle were spotted at a gas station in Umatilla County, OR. This information led to Oregon State Police locating the vehicle on Interstate 84, heading east, just after 1:00am. Brinkman attempted to elude law enforcement, who did not pursue her for the safety of the child in the vehicle. Tire deflation devices were successfully deployed which rendered the vehicle inoperable in a safe manner.
April Brinkman was arrested in Malheur County, OR, just west of the Idaho border, by Oregon State Police. Benjamin was safely recovered and reunited with his father. April Brinkman faces charges of Residential Burglary, Custodial Interference, and Attempting to Elude Police.
The Clark County Sheriff's Office extends great thanks to the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children, Abducted Minor Broadcast Emergency Response (AMBER) Alert Program, Vancouver Police Department, the Federal Bureau of Investigation, Oregon State Police, and Baker City Police Department for their extensive efforts in assisting with this investigation and the safe recovery of this child.
On 06/05/2023 at approximately 1944 hours, Clark County Sheriff’s deputies were dispatched to 6401 NE 52nd Street, Vancouver Washington. James Fargher had reported that his 6 year old son Benjamin had been taken from his residence by Benjamin’s mother, April Brinkman, who does not have custodial rights over the child. Benjamin was taken from April by New Mexico CPS approximately a week prior for reasons of neglect. It is believed April is taking Benjamin back to New Mexico via Interstate 84.
Benjamin is a 6 year old white male who is approximately 3’8” tall and 60 pounds. Benjamin has blonde hair, blue eyes and was last seen wearing a Mario Pajama shirt and Blue Pajama Pants. April is a 51 year old white female who is approximately 5’06” tall and 140 pounds. April has blue eyes and brown hair. A digital image has been attached of both April and Benjamin to this release.
April was last seen driving a 2013 Acura RDX bearing license plate (OR 787FZE). The RDX is gold in color.
April Brinkman is wanted by the Clark County Sheriff’s Office for charges of Residential Burglary DV and Custodial Interference First Degree DV.
If you see or have any information regarding April and Benjamin’s where abouts, please notify local authorities immediately.
