NJ teen facing kidnapping charges on the run after missing toddler found safe in Philadelphia
Authorities say the 16-year-old girl refused to return the 1-year-old boy to his mother.
VINELAND, New Jersey (WPVI) -- A 1-year-old boy who was reported missing in South Jersey was found safe on Monday night in Philadelphia, according to the U.S. Marshals Service.
The toddler, identified as Hakeem Hintzen, was reported missing over the weekend in Vineland, New Jersey.
Akera Johns, 16, who is accused of taking the boy, is facing kidnapping charges. She is still on the run at this time.
Johns is described as a Black female standing 5'10" tall and weighing approximately 140 pounds. She has brown eyes and black hair.
Authorities say both Johns and Hintzen were spotted at 32nd Street and Susquehanna Avenue in the Strawberry Mansion section of the city on Monday morning.
Before Monday's sighting, the two were seen around 3 p.m. Saturday at the Cumberland Family Shelter on Mays Landing Road in Vineland.
The boy's mother, Takashi Hintzen, said Johns offered to watch her son while she took a shower because no one else was around.
Hintzen said she agreed, but then asked Johns where she would be. She said Johns replied that she would be in a play area.
"I walk out there and I don't see nobody. I don't see Akera, I don't see nobody," Hintzen said.
According to authorities, Johns saw herself on the news and decided to turn the boy over to someone who was able to contact the family and police.
Anyone with information is asked to dial 911 or call the Vineland Police Department at (856) 696-1212.
Police say anonymous tips are welcome.
