AMBER Alert Canceled: 3-Week-Old Dior Gooch Found Safe After Columbia Heights Abduction Scare

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A three-week-old infant named Dior Gooch was found safe in Minneapolis on Wednesday evening after an AMBER Alert was issued earlier that morning in Columbia Heights, Minnesota. The alert was sparked after Ashley Marie Gooch, 37, allegedly abducted the newborn from her legal guardian’s home and threatened the guardian.

Both Dior and Ashley were located by authorities in Minneapolis hours later, leading to the cancellation of the AMBER Alert. Authorities are continuing their investigation into the events that led to the abduction and subsequent recovery.

Why Was an AMBER Alert Issued for Dior Gooch?

The Columbia Heights Police Department issued an AMBER Alert after receiving a report that Ashley Gooch, believed to be the infant’s biological mother according to unrelated court documents, had taken Dior without legal custody and threatened the guardian.

   

Ashley Gooch was last seen around 9:00 a.m. pushing a stroller near University Avenue and 37th Avenue in Columbia Heights. She was reportedly wearing an orange and white sundress and carrying a black backpack. The alert described Dior as a Black female with black hair and brown eyes, wearing a white top and blue bottoms.

The Minnesota Bureau of Criminal Apprehension coordinated with local law enforcement to issue the statewide alert. Authorities stressed that the alert was based on both the abduction and the credible threat of violence, which met the criteria for a formal AMBER Alert.

How Was Dior Gooch Found Safe?

By late Wednesday afternoon, officials announced that both Dior Gooch and Ashley Gooch had been located unharmed in Minneapolis. The police confirmed that no vehicle was involved, and both were found on foot, further confirming earlier reports that Ashley had left the scene on foot with a stroller.

While no injuries were reported, authorities did not immediately release information about whether any charges were filed. However, community members expressed concern over Ashley’s background, citing previous legal issues, including warrants and domestic violence cases.

The AMBER Alert was canceled shortly after confirmation of their safety, bringing a sense of relief to the community and law enforcement who acted swiftly and decisively.

Why It Matters: Safety, Custody, and Community Response

This incident highlights the complexities of custody disputes, child protection, and the use of the AMBER Alert system. Although some public commenters speculated on whether the situation was a family matter, authorities affirmed that the guardian had legal custody of Dior, and that taking the child under duress constituted an abduction under Minnesota law.

Public comments and reactions also reflected mixed opinions about how AMBER Alerts are used in family-related cases. However, officials defended the decision, citing the immediate threat and lack of legal custody as justification.

What’s Next for Authorities and Family Involved?

• Ongoing investigation: Authorities continue reviewing the case for potential criminal charges against Ashley Gooch.

• Legal guardianship review: The court may revisit the custodial arrangement to ensure Dior’s safety.

• Public awareness: The case serves as a reminder that all child abductions—regardless of family ties—must be taken seriously when threats or danger are present.

You Must Know

What triggered the Dior Gooch AMBER Alert?
Dior Gooch was taken from her legal guardian’s home by Ashley Gooch, who allegedly threatened the guardian. This threat, along with the unauthorized removal of the child, qualified as an abduction.

Where was Dior last seen before being found?
Dior was last seen in Columbia Heights, in a stroller pushed by Ashley Gooch on 37th Avenue and University Avenue, around 9:00 a.m. on Wednesday.

Was Ashley Gooch the child’s mother?
Yes, unrelated court documents suggest that Ashley Gooch is the biological mother. However, she did not have legal custody of Dior at the time of the incident.

Is Ashley Gooch facing any legal consequences?
As of now, no formal charges have been announced. Authorities are continuing to investigate, and further legal action may follow.

How did the public respond to the AMBER Alert?
The alert sparked significant public discourse, with some questioning its use in potential custody-related situations. Law enforcement emphasized that the threat to the guardian made it a legitimate abduction case.

What should you do if you see a missing child alert?
Always contact law enforcement immediately. Every minute counts in child abduction cases, and public awareness often plays a crucial role in safely resolving them.

News References:

• Minnesota Bureau of Criminal Apprehension – AMBER Alert release, August 6, 2025

• Columbia Heights Police Department – Incident report, August 6, 2025

• Pioneer Press – Kathryn Kovalenko, “AMBER Alert: Columbia Heights police ask for public’s help,” published August 6, 2025

• Bring Me The News – Adam Uren, “AMBER Alert canceled: 3-week-old found safe after reported abduction,” August 6, 2025

• Patch Minnesota – William Bornhoft, “Newborn Taken In Columbia Heights, Suspect On Foot,” August 6, 2025

The Dior Gooch AMBER Alert serves as a powerful example of how timely public alerts and law enforcement coordination can save lives. Dior Gooch is safe, but this case reminds us of the critical role of guardianship, legal custody, and public vigilance when it comes to child safety.