Florida Woman Arrested In Alabama On Child Kidnapping Charges Tracked And Apprehended Due To Flock Cameras, Drones, And License Plate Readers

DOTHAN, Ala. — A multi-agency manhunt culminated in the arrest of a Florida fugitive on Wednesday afternoon following a coordinated effort involving license plate readers, drone tracking, and local investigators.

Jenay Dominique Burns, 38, was apprehended just south of the Dothan city limits, bringing an end to an intense search for an endangered child under the age of 10.

The Investigation Begins

The Orlando Police Department initially issued warrants for Burns regarding a probation violation and the alleged kidnapping of a minor. Authorities in Orange County, Florida, had placed an emergency pickup order for the child, listing them as endangered.

According to police, Florida authorities used License Plate Reader (LPR) technology to confirm Burns’ vehicle was near Dothan.

Based on information related to law enforcement, investigators with the Dothan Police Department and the Houston County Sheriff’s Office assigned to the U.S. Marshals Service Gulf Coast Regional Fugitive Task Force began following leads and using available technology to locate Burns and the child.

The search shifted focus into Southeast Alabama when the Flock Safety network—an advanced network of automated license plate readers—flagged a red Nissan Rogue registered to Burns traveling in the Dothan area.

High-Tech Apprehension

Upon receiving the license plate alert, task force investigators with the Dothan Police Department deployed aerial drones to canvas the area. Drone operators quickly located the suspect vehicle moving down West Main Street.

Ground units were guided to the location and initiated a traffic stop near U.S. Highway 231. Burns was taken into custody without incident.

Current Status

The missing child was safely recovered from the vehicle. Local officials confirmed the child was placed in the care of the Alabama Department of Human Resources and is currently awaiting reunification with family members.

Burns was transported to the Houston County Jail, where she remains booked. She faces charges of minor kidnapping and probation revocation, and is currently held without bond pending extradition back to Orange County, Florida.

The Alabama Department of Human Resources (DHR) explicitly stated they are coordinating with Florida authorities to return the child directly to family members.

Dothan Police thanked the Houston County Sheriff’s Office and the U.S. Marshals Service for their assistance in the investigation.

Chief William E. Benny said the case demonstrates how technology, investigative work and cooperation between agencies can lead to the safe resolution of potentially dangerous situations.

The official police reports from the Dothan Police Department and Florida investigators have withheld Burns’s relationship to protect the privacy of the minor.