STARK COUNTY, Ohio — 5-year-old Ana Burke is safe and sound. That’s what Jackson Township police highlighted on Saturday.
But that's not how the situation started.
When Ana went missing Thursday night, authorities initially activated an Endangered Missing Child Alert early Friday morning. Police said they wanted to issue an Amber Alert, but that that didn’t happen for almost 24 hours.
“I can tell you that this agency attempted to do it,” said Jackson Township Police Major Jim Monigold. “We provided them with the information we have. They make the determination. That's what I have to say about that.”
Ohio State Highway Patrol Watch Desk issues the Amber Alert. Lt. Nathan Dennis says there are certain parameters to issue one -- including evidence of an immediate threat injury or loss of child. He noted they issued a missing child and endangered child, which is a step down from an Amber Alert.
So that's why there was no push alert right away. When the child was still gone, however, the parameters had changed. Finally, an Amber Alert for the 5-year-old girl was activated.
The situation came to an end late Friday night when the man accused of taking her – 36-year-old Jonathan Stinnett – was spotted at a gas station in Illinois. He was arrested on felony charges of kidnapping and abduction.
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