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CALDWELL, ID — Authorities in Idaho have issued an Amber Alert for three missing children.
The children are believed to be with their mother, Bertha Castro, who does not have custody of the children. Officers said Castro has a history of drug abuse and child abandonment.
The children, 9-year-old Ubaldo, 7-year-old Mirella and 5-year-old Esmerelda Lopez, were last seen in Winnemucca, Nevada, but Utah Highway Patrol troopers are paying close attention in case they end up in Utah.
It's just gut-wrenching, and I just pray that they're returned safe. That's too much trauma for children that age.
–Lupe Watson
The children were picked up by Castro on Friday for a routine visitation, but were never returned to their foster home Saturday. The Amber Alert was issued later Saturday by the Caldwell City Police Department.
Police apparently did come into contact with Castro at one point. On Saturday afternoon, before the amber alert was issued, Castro was pulled over near Gold Field, Nev. for speeding, according to the Nevada Highway Patrol. Three children were in the back seat of the car. According the NHP, Castro had a Mexican ID but no valid driver license, and was cited for speeding, having an invalid license and improper child restraint. She was released.
Officers believe the children have been abducted and neighbors fear the children could be in danger.
"It's just gut-wrenching, and I just pray that they're returned safe," said neighbor Lupe Watson. "That's too much trauma for children that age."
Castro has brown hair, brown eyes and is believed to be 5 feet and 1 inch tall, weighing approximately 139 pounds. Castro currently has a warrant out for her arrest.
Police say they believe she is driving a grey 1986 Pontiac 6000 with Nevada plates 389XPR. Authorities say Castro has a home in Las Vegas and family in Arizona.