ST. LOUIS — A woman was charged Thursday after police said she took an injured child from St. Louis Children's Hospital and triggered an Amber Alert.
Jayana Johnson, 24, was charged with endangering the welfare of a child Thursday evening.
A 10-month-old girl was brought to St. Louis Children's Hospital in critical condition determined to be due to neglect, according to the St. Louis County Police Department.
Police said a protective custody order was then issued against Johnson, who police said is the girl's mother.
On Wednesday afternoon, Johnson fled the hospital with the girl, violating both the protective order and doctor's orders, police said. In refusing to take the 10-month-old back to the hospital, Johnson put the girl at imminent risk of death without receiving medical intervention.
The Missouri State Highway Patrol activated an Amber Alert for the 10-month-old just before 1 a.m. Thursday, and the alert was canceled at about 3:15 a.m. when the child was located safe.
According to a news release Thursday evening, the child was admitted to the hospital with severe injuries, including rickets, pneumonia, severe malnutrition, and about 17 bone fractures as a result of lack of care.
Johnson was arrested, and the child is now receiving medical care.
Johnson is being held on $200,000 cash only, no 10% bond.
St. Louis County detectives from the Bureau of Crimes Against Persons are leasing this investigation.
5 On Your Side is working to learn the circumstances leading up to the child being found and possible evidence of neglect.
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