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

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

Columbia Heights, Minn. (August 7, 2025) — A statewide AMBER Alert issued Wednesday for 3-week-old Dior Gooch has been canceled after the infant was safely located in Minneapolis later that evening. The child’s biological mother, 37-year-old Ashley Marie Gooch, was taken into custody in connection with the abduction.

3-week-old Dior Gooch right; 37-year-old Ashley Marie Gooch right: Courtesy of BCA

According to the Columbia Heights Police Department, Ashley Gooch allegedly took the newborn from the residence of the child’s legal guardian in Columbia Heights around 11:30 a.m. on Wednesday. Gooch reportedly made threats against the guardian before fleeing on foot with the infant, pushing a stroller westbound near the intersection of 37th Avenue and University Avenue.

Law enforcement quickly activated the AMBER Alert system, disseminating information statewide as concern mounted for the baby’s safety.

By approximately 4:30 p.m., authorities located both Dior and Ashley Gooch at a residence in Minneapolis. The child was reported to be safe and in good condition. Gooch was arrested without incident and booked on an outstanding warrant from Anoka County. Additional charges related to the abduction are pending.

The Minnesota Bureau of Criminal Apprehension (BCA) confirmed the cancellation of the alert and expressed gratitude to the public and partner agencies for their swift response.

“We are relieved that Dior was found safe and unharmed,” said a spokesperson from the BCA. “We thank everyone who stayed alert and helped bring this situation to a peaceful resolution.”

However, the alert process faced a notable technical issue. The Minnesota Department of Public Safety acknowledged that some Verizon Wireless customers did not receive the AMBER Alert on their mobile devices due to a network-level disruption. Verizon and the state’s Emergency Communication Networks division are actively investigating the lapse.

“We recognize that timely communication is critical during AMBER Alerts,” said a DPS representative. “We are working closely with Verizon to ensure this issue is resolved and does not recur in future emergencies.”

37-year-old Ashley Marie Gooch right appears to be moving 3-week-old Dior Gooch in a stroller: Courtesy of BCA

This case highlights the urgency and collaborative effort behind child abduction response systems, while also underscoring the need for reliable communication technology in critical public safety situations.

As of Thursday morning, Dior is in the care of authorities and undergoing a routine medical evaluation. Further legal proceedings for Ashley Gooch are expected in the coming days.

Key Facts:

• Child Found: Dior Gooch, 3 weeks old, located safe in Minneapolis.
• Suspect: Ashley Marie Gooch, 37, arrested on outstanding warrant.
• Location of Abduction: Columbia Heights, Minnesota.
• AMBER Alert Issued: Wednesday, August 6, 2025.
• Technical Issue: Verizon customers experienced alert delivery failure.
• Agencies Involved: Columbia Heights PD, Minnesota BCA, Minneapolis Police, Anoka County authorities.

MinneapoliMedia