On July 7, 2020, the Center Police Department responded to a possible Aggravated Assault and Child Abduction which occurred at 173 Arcadia Rd. The Center Police Department’s Street Crimes Unit was assigned the case. 

The adult victim, Enedina Akins, in serious condition was transported to Shelby County Emergency Services and Diagnostic Imaging Center by EMS. She had apparently been severely beaten with a blunt object. Akins’ informed Officers that the father of the child and suspected assailant, identified as Zenas Whitaker of Nacogdoches, had taken her two-year-old daughter when he left. 
 
An Amber Alert was initiated which included the child and abductee’s information. Agencies from around the East Texas area relentlessly searched and followed leads throughout the rest of the day, night and into the following day.

With great assistance from these other agencies, the suspect and child were located in Cherokee County- near Alto. After a brief stand-off, the suspect surrendered the child to authorities and give himself up without further incident.

At this time, the suspect is being held in custody (without bail) for the following charges: 
Aggravated Assault with a Deadly Weapon (Family Violence) (Felony 1)
Aggravated Sexual Assault (Felony 1)

 

The Center Police Department would like to extend much gratitude to first and foremost, the Center Police Department’s Street Crimes Unit for never giving up, Alto Police Department, Shelby County Sheriff’s Department, Garrison Police Department, Nacogdoches Police Department CID, Nacogdoches County Sheriff’s Department, Cherokee County Sheriff’s Department, Texas DPS, Texas Rangers, FBI and the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children.

Thanks to the combined efforts and teamwork of surrounding agencies and the Public’s assistance, the missing child was located and returned unharmed within 17 hours of the initial call.