An Elmhurst man was arrested and charged with attempted rape and menacing hours after an Amber Alert was issued when he allegedly abducted his 7-year-old daughter.
Jean Puello, 40, was awaiting arraignment Thursday, Aug. 18 afternoon after he turned himself into the 112th Precinct in Forest Hills Wednesday, Aug. 17 evening, according to the NYPD.
The Amber Alert was cancelled Wednesday after 7-year-old Jaila Puello was found “safe and sound,” according to the NYPD.
The saga began around 1 a.m. Wednesday morning when Puello went to the home of his ex-girlfriend and the mother of Jaila, at Grand Avenue near Van Horn Street in Elmhurst and began fighting with her, according to authorities.
As the argument escalated, Puello tried to have sex with her, and when she refused, he threatened her with a knife. She kicked him, and managed to get away and called 911, police said.
Puello allegedly grabbed Jaila and fled the apartment on foot, police said.
The youngster was found Wednesday, Aug. 17 around 4:30 p.m. at a relative’s house, but a police spokesperson was unable to provide further details saying that she was found unharmed.
After he turned himself in at the 112th Precinct, Puello was charged with attempted rape and menacing for the attack on his ex-girlfriend.
He was not charged with kidnapping because he has joint custody of the child, authorities said.
