St. Louis County Police say reported child abduction was fabricated after vehicle theft sparked AMBER Alert

Report prompted rapid search and public alert

St. Louis County Police said a reported child abduction that triggered an urgent public search was later determined to be fabricated, after investigators confirmed the underlying incident involved a stolen vehicle but no child was taken.

The initial report prompted the issuance of an AMBER Alert and widespread public attention as police sought information about a 5-year-old girl reported missing from the Affton area. The case centered on a 2020 Jeep Renegade that was reported stolen around 8 a.m. from the 8900 block of New Hampshire Avenue, after a guardian told authorities the child had been placed in the vehicle moments before it was taken.

Vehicle recovered; investigation shifted

Police said the Jeep was later located at the Madaford Gardens Apartments. As the search unfolded, authorities emphasized that no photo of the child was available at the time and asked the public to watch for a child matching a clothing description.

By early afternoon, police announced they had determined there was no abduction. Investigators said the vehicle theft report was accurate, but the claim that a child had been inside the vehicle when it was stolen was not.

Potential charges and custody status

Police said they intend to seek criminal charges against two individuals involved in the false abduction report. Authorities also indicated those individuals were in custody as the investigation continued.

Why false abduction claims matter

AMBER Alerts are designed to rapidly mobilize public awareness when specific criteria indicate a child is at imminent risk of serious harm. When an alert is issued, law enforcement resources can be redirected toward time-sensitive searches, while residents may receive urgent messages on phones and other platforms.

Police have not released details about what led investigators to conclude the abduction portion of the report was fabricated, or what specific charges may be pursued. The investigation remained focused on the circumstances surrounding the stolen Jeep, the false narrative reported to authorities, and any related offenses.

• Reported location of the vehicle theft: 8900 block of New Hampshire Avenue, Affton
• Vehicle recovered at: Madaford Gardens Apartments
• Police determination: no child abduction occurred; vehicle theft report remained valid
• Next steps: police said they will seek charges against two people tied to the false report

Police urged anyone with information related to the stolen vehicle or the false report to contact authorities.

The department has not announced court dates or identified the individuals involved. Further updates are expected as charging decisions are finalized.