A statewide Amber Alert is underway for 3-year-old Joshua Ovalles of Beaverton, who was last seen near SW Western Avenue and SW Beaverton Hillsdale Highway in a white 2022 Mercedes-Benz GLB SUV bearing the Oregon vanity plate MAMIII. Authorities say the boy was with his non-custodial mother, identified as Mari Cruz Martinez, who police allege has made prior threats of harm toward her children and may be armed with a firearm.
On Wednesday, Beaverton Police posted that the situation had been elevated to an Amber Alert.
The department asked anyone who spots the boy to call 911 immediately. According to the Oregon State Police bulletin, Joshua stands about 3 feet tall, weighs roughly 40 pounds, and has blonde/brown hair and brown eyes. The case has been registered under state case number SP26-328966, per that bulletin.
A Busy Corridor and a Fast Head Start
Last-Seen Location Joshua was last seen near SW Western Avenue and SW Beaverton Hillsdale Highway.
Anyone who spots Joshua or the vehicle is asked to call 911.
Why the Alert Took Roughly 30 Hours
Timeline of the Alert Joshua was last seen Tuesday morning, and Beaverton Police confirmed the Amber Alert on Wednesday.
That review process exists alongside federal standards. Guidance from the U.S. Department of Justice's Office of Justice Programs requires law enforcement to confirm an abduction occurred, establish that a child 17 or younger faces imminent danger of serious bodily injury or death, and gather enough descriptive detail before triggering a broadcast. It remains unclear whether investigators believe the suspect vehicle has stayed within the Portland metro area or left Oregon entirely.
Police Allegations
Police allege Martinez made prior threats of harm toward her children and may be armed with a firearm.
Why Speed Matters in These Cases
The Office of Justice Programs’ guidance emphasizes minimizing delays after an abduction is confirmed, underscoring the Amber Alert system’s focus on rapid notification.
For now, authorities are asking anyone who sees Joshua Ovalles to call 911 right away.
