A Lancaster County man, Robert Christensen, is facing multiple felony charges after allegedly kidnapping his six children following abuse allegations. On Wednesday (November 5), Elizabethtown police were informed by Children and Youth Services (CYS) that they intended to take emergency custody of the children due to reports of abuse. Christensen, aged 39, reportedly took the children and fled the scene after being informed of CYS's plans.
According to WGAL, police issued a statewide missing/endangered persons alert. The children, aged between four and eleven, were found unharmed in Christensen's vehicle during a traffic stop by Pennsylvania State Police in Cambria County, about 171 miles from their home.
Christensen faces charges including six counts of kidnapping, interfering with child custody, and obstructing justice, as reported by Local 21 News. He was taken into custody and is currently held in Lancaster County Prison with bail set at 10% of $250,000. A preliminary hearing is scheduled for November 18.
Court documents reveal that Christensen allegedly told the children's mother, "that isn't happening," when informed of the CYS order. He then packed their bags and left, ignoring police presence at their residence, according to ABC27. The case continues to develop as more details emerge.