A tense weekend AMBER Alert out of Kennewick ended with a sigh of relief for one local family, as a 4-year-old girl at the center of the search was found safe. The hunt, however, is far from over. Police say the child's father, 41-year-old Matthew Susmilch, is still on the run and is considered armed and dangerous. He faces potential charges of kidnapping, assault and making threats, and anyone who spots him is urged to call 911 immediately and not try to confront him.
How The Kennewick Standoff Started
According to investigators, the incident kicked off Saturday morning with a domestic-violence call at an apartment complex on South Conway Place. Tactical teams moved in and made contact with Susmilch during a standoff, but when officers fully cleared the unit, they discovered it was empty and the child was gone. Detectives quickly concluded she had been taken under circumstances that posed a credible threat to her safety, according to the Tri-City Herald.
Amber Alert Triggered, Overnight Search Pays Off
Kennewick police requested an AMBER Alert on Saturday evening, and the Washington State Patrol pushed the warning out across the region. The alert mobilized multiple local agencies and put residents on high alert. The search ended in the early morning hours when officers found the girl unharmed in Pasco at about 2 a.m. Sunday, KPTV reports.
Who Police Are Looking For
Police describe Matthew Susmilch as about 5-foot-9 and 209 pounds, with brown hair, brown eyes and extensive tattoos. He is wanted on suspicion of first-degree kidnapping, second-degree assault and making threats to kill. Investigators say he should be considered armed and dangerous and have repeatedly warned the public not to approach him, according to FOX 13 Seattle.
Past Record And Ongoing Investigation
Public records and local reporting show Susmilch has a lengthy criminal history in both Washington and California. A Walla Walla court also issued a 2024 protection order involving the child and her mother, the Tri-City Herald reported. Detectives say the manhunt is ongoing, and they are working with regional partners to chase down tips and leads.
How The Public Can Help
Anyone with information about Susmilch's whereabouts is asked to call 911 right away and reference case number KPD26-048999, according to KPTV. A range of law enforcement agencies, including the Washington State Patrol, Benton County sheriff's deputies and Pasco police, assisted Kennewick officers in the original search, KIRO 7 reports. Authorities say community tips could be key to bringing the case to a safe conclusion.
