Parental Kidnapping Suspect Arrested in Tuscola County

A woman suspected of parental kidnapping was arrested near Caro, and the child was returned last week.

According to the Tuscola County Sheriff’s Office, 52-year-old Joseph Warner drove to the Sheriff’s office while under the influence of drugs and alcohol to report an assault by a female at his home around 10:45 p.m. on April 2nd. Officials say Warner had a cut on his hand that later required stitches. Investigators determined the woman was wanted in a parental kidnapping case, and Warner told police that the child was at the home as well.

Caro police officers confirmed that a child was at the house. The sheriff’s office says deputies and police tried to communicate with the woman, but got no response, and, fearing for the safety of the child, forced their way inside. Authorities say furniture had been moved in an attempt to barricade the home, and when police entered, the woman began to move toward a large knife and was detained. An AR-15 with the serial number filed off was also reportedly discovered in the home.

According to investigators, the woman initially gave a false name, but was later identified as Angela Withers, and the 8-year-old at the home was confirmed to be the child in question. The child was returned to the biological father.

Withers was charged with Felonious Assault, Resisting and Obstructing, and Possession of Cocaine. Warner was arrested for Operating while Intoxicated 2nd offense, Harboring a Fugitive, Possession of a Firearm in Commission of a Felony, and Possession of Crack Cocaine.

The sheriff’s office says the Department of Health and Human Services and Bay County law enforcement are handling the parental kidnapping investigation.