Amber Alert canceled after 4-year-old with Down syndrome found; Mom arrested

BRONX, N.Y. (WABC) -- Police canceled an Amber Alert after a 4-year-old girl with Down syndrome allegedly abducted by her mother in the Bronx was found safe.

The alert had been issued after Mia Olarte was reported missing on Monday afternoon. Authorities said the little girl's mother left with her during a supervised visit at a Bronx foster care center, when the ACS worker stepped out of the room.

Mia was found Tuesday morning on Lamont Avenue in the Corona section of Queens by police. She was with her biological mother, 48-year-old Dora Olarte, who does not have custody. Police apparently found her by tracking her phone.

The 4-year-old was being evaluated at Elmhurst Hospital in Queens. The mother was questioned before being arrested and was charged with custodial interference, acting in a manner injurious to a child under 17 and enticement of an individual under 16 by a relative. Both are said to be in good condition.

There were immediate concerns because Mia requires medication, and her mother has a mental health history and prior allegations of abuse.

The child had been placed in the custody of a foster family, and the mother was on her weekly supervised visit. ACS is investigating why the caseworker left the room.

"We are deeply troubled by this news," ACS Commissioner Gladys Carrion said in a statement. "Our priority is to ensure the safety of all children who come to our attention."

"Please Dora, I beg you to bring Mia a home," foster mom Johanny Ramirez said in an interview with Eyewitness News on Tuesday morning. Mia has been with her foster mother since she was 5 months old.

After searching for the mother and child all night, authorities activated an Amber Alert at 4:30 a.m. Tuesday.

Dora Olarte is due in court Tuesday night.