Nassau County police are searching for a Queens woman accused of kidnapping her 7-year-old child during a supervised visitation in Carle Place earlier this year.
Police identified the suspect as Charlene Smith, 41, who is now wanted on a second-degree kidnapping charge connected to the January incident. Authorities featured Smith in the department’s latest “#MugshotMonday” alert seeking wanted suspects.
According to police, the incident began on Jan. 17 after Smith entered a Barnes & Noble store in Carle Place for a supervised visitation with the child.
Investigators said Smith allegedly left the location with the child inside her vehicle at approximately 1 p.m., triggering a large police response and an extensive search effort.
Nassau County police deployed multiple units, including the department’s aviation bureau, as officers worked to locate the pair.
Smith and the child were eventually found in the parking lot of Roosevelt Field Mall, police said. Authorities said Smith was taken into custody at the scene without incident.
The 7-year-old child was transported to a hospital for evaluation. Medical personnel later determined the child had not suffered any injuries.
In addition to the kidnapping allegation, Smith is facing charges including criminal contempt, endangering the welfare of a child and custodial interference.
Police described Smith as a Black female with black hair and brown eyes. She is approximately 5-foot-3 and weighs about 130 pounds.
Authorities are asking anyone with information regarding Smith’s whereabouts to contact Nassau County police. Police also warned the public not to attempt to apprehend or detain her.
The investigation remains ongoing.
Photo: NCPD
