NJ mom charged after Amber Alert activated

TRENTON, N.J. (WPVI) -- The mother of a 5-year-old girl who was reported missing Tuesday night, sparking an Amber Alert activation, is now in trouble with the law.

Karissa Peppers, 23, of Bordentown, New Jersey, has been charged with creating a false public alarm.

The alert was activated after Jania Davis was reported missing around 8 p.m.

Investigators now say Peppers left her vehicle, a 2007 Ford Escape, running with the keys in the ignition outside Dee Dee's Liquors in the 500 block of Brunswick Avenue in Trenton.

When she returned, the car was gone.

Peppers allegedly told police that Jania was still in the vehicle when it was stolen, sparking a search across the region.

However, police say the girl was actually asleep at a relative's home and was never in danger.

Police don't know why Peppers told officers her daughter was in the vehicle.

The Escape was found shortly before midnight.

The search for the car thief continues.