BUTLER TOWNSHIP -- A family reunited Friday, hours after police say a child was abducted from her home.
A mother and son are facing charges after police say they abducted the 10-year-old girl from Schuylkill County.
An Amber Alert was issued Thursday after police say Alexandria Long, age 10, was abducted from her home in Gordon, Schuylkill County. Officials say the girl was inside her home along Oak Street when she was taken by her mother's ex-boyfriend Peter Tarbox.
"This is a small community and it is extremely scary when something like this happens," said Nina Kramer of Gordon.
Police say Tarbox, 39, and the girl talked on Facebook and over the phone but when her mother discovered the interaction, she had him blocked on her daughter's account.
Officials say soon after that, Tarbox showed up at the house and took the child away, driving nearly five hours north toward the Canadian border.
But it all came to an end thanks to a local police officer on duty.
Police in Gouvernor, New York took Tarbox into custody after seeing his car at a gas station near Norwood. Both Tarbox and his mother, Annette Williams, 55, were arrested at the scene.
"Who knows what that poor little girl was thinking about on her way up to New York, New York State like that and being gone for hours, not knowing when she is going to see her mom again," said Cheryl Vardendell of Gordon.
Neighbors in Gordon tell Newswatch 16, they can't believe what happened.
"I have two boys and there's no way I would help them kidnap a child. Not in this world, never. That's not good."
Tarbox and his mother Annette Williams, 55, were arrested and taken into custody. Police in Schuylkill County said they are thankful the girl is safe.
Because the victim was taken across state lines, charges may be handed down from the U.S. Attorney's Office. Arrangements are being made for Alexandria Long to be reunited with her family.