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GRPD: Weekend Amber Alert was fake, 20-month-old was never in any danger

After further investigation, authorities have revealed that the weekend AMBER Alert issued for a missing 20-month-old in Grand Rapids was a false report of abduction.

GRAND RAPIDS, Mich. - After this weekend's Amber Alert for reportedly missing 20-month-old Jaionna Ross, investigators have determined the report was fake and Jaionna was never in any danger.

The original report of her disappearance was made late on Aug. 4. The child's mother told police that her car was stolen from a gas station with Jaionna inside. Officers located her vehicle shortly after the initial report, but the child was not found. Based on the seriousness of the situation, Michigan State Police issued an Amber Alert around 3 a.m. on Aug. 5.

An overnight search ensued and multiple agencies: local law enforcement, MSP, the FBI, National Center for Exploited and Missing Child and CPS were among the many who worked to find Jaionna.

Jaionna was eventually found hours after the Amber Alert was issued, unharmed, with an extended family member in Grand Rapids. She was taken to the Grand Rapids Police Department and kept in police custody.

Police say after continued investigation and follow-up interviews, it was determined that Jaionna's mother made up the story about her car being stolen and Jaionna's abduction. The motive behind the fake report is unknown at this time, however authorities confirm that Jaionna is now in the care of a family member.

The case will be presented to the Kent County Prosecutor's Office later this week to determine if and what criminal charges are going to be issued.

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