Police: 2-year-old taken from family found, father in custody

Police say the 2-year-old has been found and the individual is in custody.

News 12 Staff

Jan 16, 2019, 5:23 PM

Updated 1,925 days ago

Share:

Police say the 2-year-old from the Bronx who was taken in Unionport has been found safe and her father is in custody.
Police say 2-year-old Seniya Benitez was ripped away from her grandmother with no winter clothes or shoes. An Amber Alert said she is nonverbal with autism. 
Investigators sought the child's father, 21-year-old Christian Benítez, since he is not allowed to have unsupervised contact with his daughter. Police have arrested Benítez and charged him with reckless endangerment and custodial interference.
Maria D'Amore, the child's grandmother and guardian, says a fight broke out between her and Benítez over a mess he left in her apartment on Gleason Avenue. D'Amore says Benítez got irate and started cursing at her, and even threw her to the ground. That's when she says he took off with the girl, taking nothing but the clothes on her back.
"He started cursing and he said, 'I'm taking her,' and I said, 'No you're not,' and that's when he hit me, and he ran out the door," says D'Amore.
Despite the 2-year-old returning safely, D'Amore say she will not be allowed to take her granddaughter home yet. She is currently in the custody of the city's Administration for Children's Services. 
Police say the child was found in good health.


More from News 12
1:59
NYPD: Fordham shooting kills 34-year-old man, leaves another man critical

NYPD: Fordham shooting kills 34-year-old man, leaves another man critical

1:56
Temperatures to plummet overnight; winter-like chills expected Thursday morning

Temperatures to plummet overnight; winter-like chills expected Thursday morning

1:46
NYCHA resident says boiler issue causing safety and health concerns

NYCHA resident says boiler issue causing safety and health concerns

1:42
New community center focuses on supporting former male inmates on road to recovery

New community center focuses on supporting former male inmates on road to recovery

1:35
The Bronx Museum of Arts new exhibit showcases NYC artists from fellowship

The Bronx Museum of Arts new exhibit showcases NYC artists from fellowship

1:14
Police Athletic League hosts annual singing and dancing competition for kids

Police Athletic League hosts annual singing and dancing competition for kids

1:35
New Yankees murals at Bronx Terminal Market pays homage to Black baseball legends

New Yankees murals at Bronx Terminal Market pays homage to Black baseball legends

1:04
DOT adds $6 million to boost overnight and evening deliveries over peak hours

DOT adds $6 million to boost overnight and evening deliveries over peak hours

1:53
Shop Mother’s Day Gifts – Exclusive Offers Up to 75% OFF!

Shop Mother’s Day Gifts – Exclusive Offers Up to 75% OFF!

0:20
MTA service alerts system now includes bridges, tunnels

MTA service alerts system now includes bridges, tunnels

0:23
Police: 2 men wanted for robbing Gamestop store at knifepoint in East Tremont

Police: 2 men wanted for robbing Gamestop store at knifepoint in East Tremont

0:24
NYPD: Suspect at large in West Concourse stabbing that left victim in grave condition

NYPD: Suspect at large in West Concourse stabbing that left victim in grave condition

2:07
Two NYPD officers arrested and facing multiple charges of sexual assault

Two NYPD officers arrested and facing multiple charges of sexual assault

1:57
Security heightened at Bronx Home Depot following customer complaints of uncomfortable encounters

Security heightened at Bronx Home Depot following customer complaints of uncomfortable encounters

DA: 3 teens indicted for killing bystander, wounding 4 in subway shooting

DA: 3 teens indicted for killing bystander, wounding 4 in subway shooting

1:53
Bronx bookworms take part in writing workshop for World Book Day

Bronx bookworms take part in writing workshop for World Book Day

1:57
State taxi federation raises reward for information to help stop carjackings, robberies

State taxi federation raises reward for information to help stop carjackings, robberies

1:42
Irish consulate general joins BP Gibson for a Woodlawn walkthrough

Irish consulate general joins BP Gibson for a Woodlawn walkthrough

1:00
Fordham Road BID discusses local improvements made, offers a look toward the future

Fordham Road BID discusses local improvements made, offers a look toward the future

1:56
MTA meets with riders in Fordham to hear their concerns with current transit system

MTA meets with riders in Fordham to hear their concerns with current transit system