State Police arrest four following a staged kidnapping prank

On January 7, 2026, State Police of Saratoga arrested Jasmine R. Barber, 20, of Champlain, NY, Emily R. Ferdinandi, 20, of Champlain, NY, and two 18-year-olds each for Falsely Reporting an Incident in the third degree.

On January 7, 2026, at about 1:00 p.m., Troopers received a report that a vehicle was traveling southbound on I-87 Northway in Saratoga County with a passenger who was reportedly displaying a handwritten sign stating “help!! being kidnapped!!”. During a significant law enforcement response, a vehicle matching the caller’s description was located on I-87 Northway in Malta, NY, and was stopped, causing a temporary shutdown of I-87 southbound. The 18-year-old driver and passengers Barber, Ferdinandi, and an 18-year-old were removed from the vehicle and detained. Further investigation determined that all individuals in the vehicle were aware that the sign was displayed as an alleged “joke” and no kidnapping had occurred.

All four were arrested and transported to SP Saratoga for processing. Each was issued an appearance ticket returnable to the Malta Town Court on February 5, 2026, and released.

State Police wants to emphasize that falsely reporting a kidnapping is not a prank or a mistake; it’s a serious crime with real consequences. When a false any false emergency report is made, emergency responders rush into action, diverting police, medical, and rescue resources away from people who may genuinely need help. Families and communities experience fear and trauma, and in some cases, false reports can even put officers and bystanders in danger.