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Affton Today
By the People, for the People
Police: Report of Missing 5-Year-Old in Stolen Vehicle Was a 'Hoax'
Two women involved expected to face charges after investigation reveals no child was abducted.
Mar. 31, 2026 at 4:17pm
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A harsh, gritty close-up of a car key fob conceptually represents the stolen vehicle at the center of this hoax report.Affton TodayPolice in St. Louis County, Missouri, said the report of a 5-year-old girl who went missing after being left unattended in a running vehicle that was then stolen was a "hoax." Authorities said the two women involved are expected to face charges for filing a false police report, as detectives determined a child had never actually been abducted.
Why it matters
The false report prompted an intense police response, including the issuance of an Amber Alert, which diverted valuable law enforcement resources from other potential emergencies. Authorities stressed the seriousness of such hoaxes, which can undermine public trust and distract from genuine cases of missing children.
The details
According to police, one of the women involved told officers she was caring for her dead sister's child, who had been left in a car that was then stolen. However, after further investigation, it became clear this was not the case. Detectives noted the lack of photos or sightings of the child as indicators the report was fabricated. While a car was stolen, police are still investigating the motive behind falsely reporting a missing child.
- The initial 911 call was received shortly before 8 a.m. local time on March 31, 2026.
- The Amber Alert was issued and then canceled later that same day as the investigation unfolded.
The players
St. Louis County Police Department
The local law enforcement agency that responded to the initial report and conducted the investigation, determining the incident was a hoax.
Lt. Col. Jerry Lohr
A spokesperson for the St. Louis County Police Department who provided details about the investigation and the department's plans to seek charges against the two women involved.
What they’re saying
“While we are extremely grateful that there is no child in danger, we want to be very clear -- we will use all available resources to ensure our community members, especially the most vulnerable among us, are safe.”
— St. Louis County Police Department
“It's important to note the amount of time and resources and the allocation of our resources that go into something like this. We take this very, very seriously.”
— Lt. Col. Jerry Lohr, St. Louis County Police Department
What’s next
The St. Louis County Police Department is seeking charges for filing a false police report against the two women involved in the hoax report.
The takeaway
This case highlights the serious consequences of falsely reporting a missing child, which can divert critical law enforcement resources away from genuine emergencies and undermine public trust. Authorities stressed they will use all available means to ensure the safety of vulnerable community members.
