text: Sorry, your browser doesn't support Flash , needs a Flash update , or has Flash disabled. You need Flash to watch this video. EMBED </>More News Videos Investigators say the woman suspected of kidnapping a 7-week-old baby from the King of Prussia Mall on Thursday night had been claiming to be pregnant. 
   
   "King of Prussia Mall has 24/7 state-of-the-art security protocols both inside and outside the property, including a robust security force and continuous patrol routes. Our emergency procedures were operationalized instantly, including the deployment of law enforcement personnel. The results of these efforts, in partnership with our local law enforcement officials, resulted in the happy outcome of returning the baby safely to his family and we are incredibly thankful of their support." 
   
   Authorities have identified and charged the woman accused of abducting a 7-week-old baby from the King of Prussia Mall on Thursday night, and we're also learning new details about the incident.Cherie Amoore, 32, has been charged with kidnapping of a minor, unlawful restraint, false imprisonment, interference with the custody of a child, concealment of the whereabouts of a child and other related charges. She was arraigned and held on $500,000 cash bail.The baby, Ahsir Simmons, was found safe a few hours after the abduction.Amoore said nothing going into court for her arraignment on Friday, but she and relatives openly wept inside the courtroom."It's a very difficult day for everyone. Difficult for her, difficult for her family, and you saw her in the courtroom. She was shaken," said public defender Greg Nester.According to police documents, Amoore told detectives she gave birth to a boy on Feb. 11, but the baby only lived a few hours, and she never told anyone the child had died.She then allegedly told police, "I don't know why I did it. I can't explain it. I held him, and all those feelings rushed back. I just wanted my baby. I felt like I was holding my son again. It felt so good. I didn't want to lose that feeling. I was crazy. I never intended to do anything like this."Police have not been able to confirm that pregnancy, and friends of Amoore tell Action News they were skeptical she was pregnant.The kidnapping was reported at around 5:45 p.m. Thursday.Police say Amoore had approached the family and began talking with the mother, asking how old the baby was. During the course of the conversation, Amoore allegedly said she had a baby about the same age.Amoore followed them around while engaging in small talk, went to stores with them, followed them to the food court, and sat at their table, according to the affidavit.When the mother arrived after getting food, police say Amoore was still at the table.According to the affidavit, Amoore asked the mother if she could hold the baby, but was told "no." While the mom was helping other children, police say the baby began to cry and Amoore took him from his stroller and began to console him.The mom told police she was distracted by the other children and, when her back was turned, Amoore ran off with the baby. She started to chase after Amoore, but lost sight of her when she turned to check on her other son, who was still at the table.Two people sitting nearby pointed out which direction Amoore went, police say, but by then she was gone.Chopper 6 was overhead as police searched cars at the mall.Investigators say, after the kidnapping, Amoore took little Ahsir to show him to relatives.However, once news of the abduction emerged and surveillance video of the abductor was released, police say family members recognized her and notified police.Meanwhile, police reviewed video showing Amoore talking to another woman shortly before the abduction. That woman also helped police identify the suspect.Those tips brought police to a home above a barber shop in Tredyffrin Township, Chester County, where Ahsir was found safe and Amoore was taken into custody.Police say when she answered the door, Amoore said "I took the baby and I am sorry." The baby was asleep in a car seat belonging to Amoore, police say."She has told our investigators that she did not go to the mall with intention to steal a baby," said Chief Tom Nolan."I just got up and walked away," Amoore is quoted as saying in the police affidavit. "I remember walking, it was like an out of body experience."Action News was there as baby Ahsir was reunited with his family at the Upper Merion police station.His mother, Malika Hunter, said, "I would like to thank God for allowing my baby to come back. And, I want to thank the Upper Merion Police Department, and everybody on social media that helped me get my baby back. I want to thank you so much."Hunter says she has not been able to sleep since her ordeal. She tells Action News she is still in shock about what happened, and now fears taking her children outside."For you to come along to take somebody else's child to fill your void, and try to leave me with one is not right," said Hunter. "I have a sister that suffered the same loss, but you don't see her out here kidnapping and stealing people's children.""I lost my son and I was hurt, and what I never want to do is put that hurt on somebody else," said Quydeira Hunter, sister. "So for her to use that as an excuse, that's not an excuse."Hunter, who also has another young son, Ahmad, says her children are her world. And while she is deeply grateful to have Ahsir back, the ordeal has left her deeply scared."From this situation, I don't wanna go outside anymore, I don't want to take my kids out, I just want to keep my kids in the house where they're safe," said Hunter. "I don't trust no one. Now I feel as though if I go somewhere, my kids are a target now. I don't wanna go nowhere."Cherie Amoore is the daughter of Renee Amoore, who is both the deputy chairman of the Republican Party of Pennsylvania and a panelist on 6abc's "Inside Story." She had no comment outside court.Shoppers were in disbelief that something like this could happen with all the police presence and surveillance cameras at the mall."It's unbelievable. That's crazy," said Sara Elhollal of King of Prussia. "I feel so bad for the mother."And yet there were others who were completely oblivious to what was happening."They didn't make an announcement. They didn't do anything, they didn't say anything," said Camrah Carter of Camden, New Jersey."How am I supposed to know that's going on if nobody says anything?" said Amina Sabre of Camden, New Jersey.In a statement, a King of Prussia Mall spokesman said: ||||| A woman is in custody after she allegedly kidnapped a baby at the King of Prussia Mall. But what was the actual motive behind the kidnapping? NBC10's Randy Gyllenhaal has the details. (Published Saturday, April 2, 2016) 
   
   Less than 24 hours after her infant son was kidnapped by a woman at the King of Prussia Mall, a Philadelphia mother is speaking out for the first time. 
   
   Alleged KOP Mall Kidnapper Weeps in Court 
   
   NBC10's Deanna Durante was in court Friday to hear the confession of kidnapping suspect Cherie Amoore. Amoore was seen on surveillance video taking a baby out of King of Prussia Mall on Thursday, according to police. (Published Friday, April 1, 2016) 
   
   "I'm glad he's in my arms at this moment," said Malika Hunter. "I didn't know what the outcome of this situation would be." 
   
   Cherie Amoore Walks Out of Arraignment 
   
   Suspected kidnapper, Cherie Amoore walks out of district court after facing felony kidnapping charges in the abduction of a 7-week-old baby at the King of Prussia Mall Thursday evening. (Published Friday, April 1, 2016) 
   
   Hunter told NBC10 the ordeal began Thursday when she took her children, including 7-week-old Ahsir, to the King of Prussia Mall. She says she met 32-year-old Cherie Amoore at a jewelry store and the two quickly bonded. 
   
   Cherie Amoore 
   
   
   
   "She was so polite," Hunter said. "Nice, calm and energetic. Like the normal, average person." 
   
   Mall Security Concerns and Praises After Baby Reunited with Family 
   
   NBC10's Lauren Mayk spoke with King of Prussia Mall security officials Friday regarding how they identified a woman accused of kidnapping a baby and what their role was in helping police find the suspect and child. (Published Friday, April 1, 2016) 
   
   Hunter says Amoore asked her about Ahsir and the two bonded over being mothers. 
   
   "She was just stressed and she just had a new baby and the father is in the military so that puts all the work on her," Hunter said. "It was relatable. She ain't been out in a while." 
   
   Kidnapped Baby Reunited with Family in Frankford 
   
   Malika Hunter is now reunited with her 7-week-old child after he was kidnapped by a woman in King of Prussia Mall. NBC10's Aundrea Cline-Thomas caught up with the mother in their neighborhood of Frankford. (Published Friday, April 1, 2016) 
   
   The two continued talking as they headed to the food court. During their conversation, Amoore asked Hunter if she could hold Ahsir. While police initially said Hunter let Amoore hold him, they later said Hunter told her "no" and never handed him to her. Hunter told NBC10 she began tending to her 2-year-old son who was growing irritable. That's when Amoore took Ahsir from his stroller and walked away, according to police. 
   
   Awaiting Charges for KOP Mall Abduction Suspect 
   
   NBC10's Drew Smith has the latest as Upper Merion Township Police prepared charges Friday against a woman they say took a 7-week-old boy from the King of Prussia Mall. (Published Friday, April 1, 2016) 
   
   "When I realized it was really happening it was like my heart could just bust open at any moment," Hunter said. "At any moment I could just hit that floor. It was the worst feeling I ever felt in my life." 
   
   Police said Amoore walked up a set of stairs and then walked by the Bonefish Grill before exiting the mall. Surveillance video shows Amoore with Ahsir in her arms leaving the mall around 5:30 p.m., according to investigators. 
   
   Caught on Cam: Woman Kidnaps Baby at KOP Mall: Police 
   
   Police released surveillance video of a woman who they say kidnapped a baby at the King of Prussia Mall Thursday night. (Published Thursday, March 31, 2016) 
   
   Hunter alerted police and an extensive search began. 
   
   Police stopped cars as they left the mall as well as SEPTA buses. The FBI assisted with the search and an Amber Alert was issued both on television and through push notifications Thursday night. Police searched for the baby in Montgomery and Chester counties. Police Scour King of Prussia Mall After Abduction 
   
   NBC10's own Monique Braxton, who was shopping, was among the motorists searched after a woman took a 7-week-old boy from the King of Prussia Mall Thursday night. The boy was found safe in Chester County later in the evening. (Published Friday, April 1, 2016) 
   
   Around 10:30 p.m., police announced the good news that the boy had been found safe and Amoore was in custody. Police said they found Amoore and the baby inside a home on the 900 block of Upper Gulph Road in Tredyffrin Township. Friends say the man who lives at the home had a relationship with Amoore. While the man declined to comment, his mother spoke to NBC10, telling us her son had no idea about the kidnapping. 
   
   "All he knew is when he got home from work," said Gladys Biggers. "She was there too." 
   
   The baby's family dealt with a roller coaster of emotions throughout the ordeal. 
   
   "I was like hysterical I was going through it," said Burdette Lewis, the boy's grandfather. "We all prayed in there together." 
   
   Their prayers were answered as they had him back in their arms at the Upper Merion Police headquarters late Thursday night. 
   
   "(The family) thanks the police officers and all of them for doing their job," said Lewis. 
   
   Investigators said Amoore showed off the child to family and friends at a handful of locations before being caught. They also said she gave the baby boy a bath and new pajamas. 
   
   Amoore is charged with felony kidnapping, unlawful restraint, false imprisonment and other related offenses following a formal arraignment Friday afternoon. She is currently being held on $500,000 bail. 
   
   Police don't believe Amoore, who lives in the King or Prussia area, has any connections to the baby's family, which lives in Philadelphia's Port Richmond section. They're still trying to determine a motive. 
   
   "She has told our investigators she did not go to the mall to steal a baby," said Upper Merion Police Chief Tom Nolan. "She also told investigators that she gave birth to a baby boy on February 11 which died a few hours later. We have not been able to confirm any of that story." 
   
   Police are currently looking at Amoore's medical records to confirm her pregnancy. 
   
   Amoore is the daughter of Republican Party of Pennsylvania Deputy Chairman Renee Amoore, a longtime GOP advocate. NBC10 approached Renee Amoore as well as a family pastor for comment. 
   
   KOP Kidnapping Suspect Has Well-Connected Background 
   
   NBC10's Brandon Hudson was in court to see the emotional reaction of KOP mall kidnapping suspect Cherie Amoore's mother, Rene, a well-connected member of the Republican Party in Pennsylvania. (Published Friday, April 1, 2016) 
   
   "I'm just here as the family's pastor, supporter and keeping them in prayer," the pastor said. "Keep the other family in prayer as well." 
   
   Amoore's family also issued a statement Friday night saying they were focused on her health and wellness. They also asked for privacy. 
   
   Amoore's attorney said Renee's political status did not have any impact on her daughter's alleged decision to kidnap the baby. 
   
   Hunter told NBC10 she hopes Amoore gets proper help. 
   
   "She needs help," she said. "Get her some help. That's what she needs." 
   
   For many smartphone users the official Amber Alert notification was not sent until around four hours after the baby was kidnapped. In the state of Pennsylvania, sending out an Amber Alert is a process with at least three steps. Local authorities notify the state police, the state police notify the National Center for Missing Children in Washington, DC, and then the National Center for Missing Children sends the alert to phones. 
   
   Before law enforcement officials issue an Amber Alert they must first believe an abduction occurred and that the child, under the age of 17, is in imminent danger. They also need enough descriptive information to assist in a recovery. Chief Nolan insisted those criteria were quickly met on a local level. 
   
   "I know that the Amber Alert that went out through the Upper Merion Police Department went out to all surrounding jurisdictions in Montgomery County within the first few minutes," he said. 
   
   What Caused the Amber Alert Delay During KOP Mall Kidnapping Case? 
   
   What caused the delay in the Amber Alert notification after the King of Prussia Mall kidnapping? NBC10's George Spencer investigates. (Published Saturday, April 2, 2016) 
   
   Pennsylvania State Police told NBC10 their watch center was first contacted at 7:45 p.m. Thursday but it took an hour for them to obtain appropriate pictures and information. They then activated the Amber Alert at 8:48 p.m. With that activation, State Police notified the National Center for Missing Children in DC which sent the alerts to phones, a process that took about 45 minutes.
target: – A woman befriended a mom and kids at Pennsylvania's King of Prussia Mall on Thursday night and then, when the mom was briefly distracted by her older children, grabbed the baby out of his stroller and ran off. Malika Hunter, the mother of 7-week-old Ahsir Simmons, ran after her, but turned back to check on a child still sitting at their food court table and lost track of her. A search was launched and surveillance video was released showing 32-year-old Cherie Amoore allegedly leaving the mall with Ahsir in her arms, and within hours, both had been found, 6ABC reports. Amoore, who was arraigned Friday on charges of kidnapping, false imprisonment, and more, claims that she gave birth to a baby boy on Feb. 11, but he died shortly after birth and she never told anyone. "I just wanted my baby. I felt like I was holding my son again," she reportedly told police. But police haven't been able to confirm her story, and friends tell 6ABC they're not sure Amoore was ever really pregnant. While talking to the baby's family at the mall, Amoore told his mother she had a baby around the same age; Hunter says Amoore seemed "nice" and like a "normal, average" person, NBC Philadelphia reports. Shortly before Amoore allegedly took Ahsir, she asked if she could hold him, but his mother refused. Then, when Hunter was distracted and Ahsir started to cry in his stroller, Amoore allegedly picked him up and left. Police say she took him to show her relatives and friends at a few different locations, and it was her family members who recognized her on the surveillance video that was released and called the cops. Ahsir was asleep in a carseat owned by Amoore when police found him; police say Amoore had also given him a bath and new pajamas.