Detroit girl, 5, abducted by mom, is found safe in Texas

DETROIT - Detroit police say a mother who abducted her 5-year-old daughter Monday was arrested Thursday in Texas, and authorities believe she was trying to take the child to Mexico, reports CBS Detroit.

Sgt. Michael Woody said the child, Zoie Jackson, was found safe around 7:30 p.m. Thursday just outside of Lubbock, Texas.

The 5-year-old had been missing since Monday when she was picked up from her Detroit elementary school by her non-custodial mother, 37-year-old Carmella Jackson.

Authorities say Jackson was arrested after deputies pulled over a black Lexus that was driving “somewhat erratically.” Deputies walked up to the car and saw a mother and a young girl, reports the station.

“While he was talking to the driver, he noticed a lot of things weren’t right inside the vehicle. The driver was acting very suspiciously and there was a lot of snacks and junk food strewn about the inside of the vehicle,” Sgt. Woody said.

After calling in the vehicle’s license place, the deputy realized the car was being sought in connection with the abduction of Zoie.

Jackson was arrested without incident and was booked at a Texas jail. Authorities say Zoie, who was unharmed, was placed under the care of Child Protective Services in Texas.

“We are working with the family and some other local resources to try and get down there to pick Zoie up and get here back here (Detroit) as quickly as possible,” Woody said.

CBS Detroit reports investigators believe Jackson, who suffers from schizophrenia and bipolar disorder, was driving through Texas to get to the Mexican border. She is currently awaiting extradition to Michigan on a warrant for child abduction.