MALTA, NY — Four people were arrested Jan. 7, 2026, after state police say they falsely reported a kidnapping on Interstate 87.
Jasmine R. Barber, 20, of Champlain, New York, Emily R. Ferdinandi, 20, of Champlain, New York, and two 18-year-olds were each charged with falsely reporting an incident in the third degree.
Troopers received a report at about 1 p.m. that a vehicle was traveling southbound on I-87 Northway in Saratoga County with a passenger displaying a handwritten sign stating “help!! being kidnapped!!”
A vehicle matching the caller’s description was located on I-87 Northway in Malta and was stopped, causing a temporary shutdown of I-87 southbound.
The 18-year-old driver and the three passengers were removed from the vehicle and detained.
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 State Police Saratoga for processing.
Each was issued an appearance ticket returnable to Malta Town Court on Feb. 5, 2026, and released.
