HOOVER, Ala. – An Alabama woman who claimed she was kidnapped while trying to tend to a child on the side of the road has been arrested, accused of making the whole thing up.
Police in Hoover, Alabama say Carlee Russell, 25, turned herself in Friday on misdemeanor charges including False Reporting to Law Enforcement Authorities, and Falsely Reporting an Incident.
Russell allegedly called 911 from the side of a rose near Hoover July 13, claiming she was helping a baby on the side of the road, but the call was lost. Authorities then believed she was kidnapped.
She reportedly turned up at home a few days later.
Hoover’s police chief reportedly said he’s frustrated that Russell could only be charged with misdemeanors, given the panic and disruption caused. But, he says Alabama law doesn’t allow for enhanced penalties.
Russell was released from custody after posting bond, pending future court dates.
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