Philadelphia Mother Relieved To Have Kidnapped Baby Back In Her Arms
PHILADELPHIA (CBSNewYork) -- A new mother went through a frightening ordeal on Thursday.
Her 7-week-old baby was back in her arms after being kidnapped from an upscale mall in suburban Philadelphia.
As CBS2's Dave Carlin reported, a woman caught on mall surveillance video is in custody.
Police said 32-year-old Cheire Amoore took Ahsir Simmons from the King of Prussia Mall after striking up a conversation with the baby's mother Malika Turner.
"I turned around to tend to my other child, my 2-year-old, the second I turned around I had my back turned. I turned back around and my child was gone," Turner said.
Turner yelled to bystanders to call 911.
Police found security video, and tips from the public led detectives to Amoore's apartment four hours after the child was taken.
Police said when they arrived, the said she was sorry.
"She also told investigators that she gave birth to a baby boy on February 11, which died a few hours later. We have not been able to confirm any of that story," Chief Tom Nolan said.
There was no comment from Amoore's family outside of court.
A relieved Turner offered thanks for her son's safe return.
"I'm just blessed, and I am lucky to beholding my son right now," Turner said.
Amoore was charged with kidnapping, child concealment, and other offenses. She is being held on $500,000 bail and is due back in court on April 15.
