A Lake Orion mother is facing multiple charges after authorities say she abducted her 6-year-old son and led police on a chase across state lines before being arrested in Wyoming.
Marisa Calliea, 30, was taken into custody on September 7 in Evanston, Wyoming, after a week-long search that began when she failed to show up for a scheduled custody exchange with the boy’s father in Southeast Michigan.
What Happened
Calliea was supposed to drop off her son Liam to his father, Justin Malburg, on September 3. When she never arrived, concern quickly grew. Two days later, a Flock camera in Northville picked up a hit on the GMC Terrain she was driving.
The Oakland County Sheriff’s Office issued a missing child alert for Calliea, noting that she already had a bench warrant out for assault and fleeing. The search stretched nearly 1,500 miles into southwest Wyoming before coming to an end.
The Arrest in Wyoming
According to reports, police in Evanston received an anonymous tip that a woman and a young boy had entered a Walmart that Monday morning after parking a GMC Terrain in the lot.
When officers made contact, Calliea allegedly gave false names, identifying herself as Maria Peters and her son as Will Peters. She then fled the scene, triggering two separate pursuits with the 6-year-old still inside the SUV.
Once the chase ended, officers pulled Calliea from the vehicle and took her into custody. Liam was recovered safe and is now back with his father.
6-year-old boy goes missing
Father Speaks Out
Malburg took to Facebook to express relief and gratitude after being reunited with his son.
Thanks to God, an anonymous tip, the sharpness of a Wyoming officer, and the countless amount of people who came together to help, my son has been found! He’s safe and sound, DFS in Wyoming are hanging out with him until my flight lands and then we’ll be heading home together.
He also thanked the many people who shared the missing child alert on social media and submitted tips that helped lead to his son’s recovery.
Claims From the Other Side
The Cowboy State Daily reported that the registered owner of the GMC Terrain, a family member, claimed Calliea and Malburg were locked in a contentious custody dispute and alleged that the father had previously assaulted her.
That family member said she gave Calliea money for the trip and “suggested” she “take a vacation.”
Charges and What’s Next
Calliea is currently being held at the Uinta County Detention Center on a $30,000 cash bond. She faces six charges, including:
- Fleeing or attempting to elude police
- Child endangerment
- Interference with a peace officer
- Possession of a controlled substance
- Reckless driving
- Driving while her license was canceled, suspended, or revoked
Authorities also found a substance believed to be marijuana in her possession. The Uinta County Sheriff’s Office lists Calliea as pre-sentenced as the case moves forward.
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