Family seeking police help no longer missing.

Byline: Brian Lee

WEBSTER - A family made contact with police yesterday afternoon, hours after authorities had requested the public's help with finding them, police Sgt. Rodney K. Budrow said.

Until yesterday afternoon, Jeffrey Doughty, 35, his wife, Luldelin Cruz-Doughty, 37, and her daughter, Ariana DiFederico, 18, had last been seen on Friday in Auburn, police said. Ms. Cruz-Doughty and Mr. Doughty had stopped at the Auburn police station about 6 p.m. to say that her ex-husband was following them.

Earlier that afternoon, Ms. Cruz-Doughty had sought a restraining order against her ex-husband, 36-year-old Dennis Melo of 32 Lake Parkway, who she said was threatening and stalking her and her husband.

The family went to get gas before apparently leaving the area that evening. Patrolman Keith E. Chipman said he escorted the family to a gas station and waited about five minutes before leaving. The officer said he did not see any suspicious vehicles or people who might have followed the family.

The family was headed back to the area yesterday, apparently from Maine. Their motive for leaving was unclear, Sgt. Budrow said in an interview.

Detective James Hoover's investigation was ongoing, the sergeant said.

On Friday afternoon, Ms. Cruz-Doughty went to Dudley District Court to request that Mr. Melo be served with a restraining order.

The court ordered Mr. Melo not to abuse Ms. Cruz-Doughty and to stay 100 yards from her until this Friday, when a hearing will be...