Amber Alert issued in Comal County

COMAL COUNTY, Texas - An Amber Alert has been issued for a 6-year-old girl who authorities said was taken by her mother. Authorities said they suspect Tonya Renee Martin, 41, of taking Jewel Noel Klein Tuesday afternoon from Rebecca Creek Elementary School .

Officials said they also suspect Martin of severely beating her mother Melba Balantac, 68, who has legal conservatorship of Jewel. Comal County Sheriff's Office spokesman Mark Reynolds said Balantac was beaten very badly.

Deputies were able to communicate with Balantac for a short time. Deputies said she was able to give them some information, implicating her daughter.

Investigators realized Jewel was missing only after Balantac was taken to the hospital. Reynolds said Martin was seen driving Balantac's blue Hyundai Sonata before the assault.

A photo of Martin has not been released. The Comal County Sheriff's Office didn't release a photo of Klein until three hours after the initial Amber Alert was issued.