CANCELLED: AMBER Alert issued for two children abducted in Jefferson City; Suspect in custody

FOX23 News at 9 p.m.

JEFFERSON CITY, Mo., (KBSI) — UPDATE: Authorities have canceled the AMBER Alert issued earlier Monday after the two abducted children were located safe.

Troop F of the Missouri State Highway Patrol announced that both children have been found unharmed and that the suspect remains in custody. No further details were immediately released.

The Jefferson City Police Department said the situation is no longer an active threat to the public.

An AMBER Alert has been issued following a child abduction reported Monday afternoon in Jefferson City, authorities said.

According to the Jefferson City Police Department, the abduction occurred about noon at 1115 E. McCarty St. Two children were reported taken: Saba Akbari, a 12-year-old girl, and Hajarn Akbari, a 1-year-old boy.

Police identified the suspect as Malang Jan Akbari, 46, described as 5 feet 11 inches tall, weighing about 182 pounds, with black hair and brown eyes. Authorities said the suspect was armed with a knife and allegedly killed the children’s mother before fleeing with the victims.

Investigators said the suspect vehicle—a blue 2015 Honda Odyssey with Missouri license plate JJ6M8C—has been located and the suspect is in custody. However, police said the children have not yet been located.

The vehicle was last seen traveling westbound on U.S. 54 from the Southwood Hills area in Cole County.

Authorities urge anyone with information on the whereabouts of the children to call 911 or contact the Jefferson City Police Department immediately.