US Marshals rescue girl who was missing for nearly 4 months thanks to anonymous tip

PHOENIX (KPHO/Gray News) — A federal task force was able to rescue a girl in Phoenix who had been reported missing for nearly four months.

U.S. Marshals Service Arizona Wanted Task Force members rescued the girl on July 9 after an investigation that was triggered by an anonymous community tip.

The child, identified as an at-risk youth, was reported missing in March.

Earlier this month, U.S. Marshals were given a tip about the girl’s whereabouts and worked with the Phoenix Police Department to verify it.

Investigators then used surveillance tactics to identify the missing girl near a home with several men. Surveillance was maintained to ensure the girl’s safety as a rescue plan was made, authorities noted

On the night of July 9, the girl walked away from the home, which gave deputies a chance to move in.

As deputies went inside the home, one of the men, identified as Miguel Mendez-Vargas, was said to have run toward a deputy, interfering with the rescue operation.

Mendez-Vargas allegedly did not comply with commands to get on the ground and swung at deputies as they tried to take him into custody.

A deputy ended up using his Taser, while three others restrained Mendez-Vargas. He also allegedly spat on deputies when he was in custody.

The girl was taken into the authorities’ care at the scene.

“This recovery is another reminder that anonymous tips, strong partnerships, and determined investigators save lives,” U.S. Marshal Van Bayless said. “Our deputies exercised patience, sound judgment, and restraint to safely recover this endangered child despite rapidly evolving circumstances.”

U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement agents responded and found that two of the men, Mendez-Vargas and Jose Mendez-Bello, were unlawfully in the country. Both were taken into ICE custody on federal immigration violations.

Mendez-Vargas faces two additional charges related to assaulting the federal officers. The FBI is investigating these reported assaults.

U.S. Marshals said the girl may have been sexually assaulted while she was missing, as more charges may be filed connected to the investigation.

Earlier this year, a U.S. Marshals operation also rescued 31 missing and exploited children across Arizona.