Missing Massachusetts baby found in northern Alabama

ETOWAH COUNTY, Ala. (WIAT) — A 1-year-old child from Massachusetts was found in his mother's care in north Alabama following a suspected kidnapping case.

According to the Alabama Law Enforcement Agency (ALEA), a law enforcement bulletin was issued Friday by the Fall River Police Department regarding a missing endangered infant.

FRPD said Genezza Packett, 22, visited her son, who lives in the care of his aunt, on Thursday. Packett said she took her child to a nearby Dunkin' Donuts, but never returned.

After further investigation, Packett and the child were driving south toward Mississippi. Relevant information was relayed to troopers of the ALEA Highway Patrol Division.

Around 10:15 a.m. Wednesday, ALEA officers located the vehicle on Interstate 59 in Etowah County, near Attalla. A traffic stop was conducted and the child was safely recovered. Packett faces criminal charges pending before the Massachusetts FRPD.

“I commend the exceptional collaboration and communication of the intelligence analysts within our fusion center and our Soldiers, as well as our counterparts from other states, for their instrumental actions in the safe recovery of a child from 'one year gone,' said ALEA Secretary Hal. Taylor said in a press release. “Their dedication to duty and quick thinking resulted in the child's safe recovery, which exemplifies the true spirit of law enforcement and demonstrates the need to share intelligence with enforcement partners laws at the local and state level.”

No further information is available as the investigation is ongoing.