Video of Teen Forced Into Van Prompts Mistaken Alarm

(May 30) -- When authorities in Stafford County, Va., saw alarming surveillance video of a teenage girl being forced -- kicking and screaming -- into a minivan, they issued an Amber Alert, believing she was abducted from a Target store parking lot.

Now Stafford County authorities are weighing whether to file charges against the girl's relatives, after the 17-year-old was found safe with her family in Jacksonville, Fla. Officials said the teen wasn't fighting off a kidnapping -- but resisting the family's move to Florida. Her family said the dramatic surveillance video actually shows the teen protesting as three relatives struggle to stuff her into their Dodge Caravan.

The footage from the Target shopping center near Fredericksburg shows the girl walking in the parking lot around 11:25 a.m. when the van's driver and another passenger grabbed her and began leading her to the vehicle. She is seen thrashing her body and resisting their efforts, which eventually required help from the car's front-seat passenger. The Stafford County Sheriff's office said the girl "was screaming that she did not want to go" and tried to get out of the van as it drove off, according to the Washington Post.

One witness carrying a shopping bag is seen watching the incident and walking away. Other witnesses reportedly looked on without taking action, but authorities said several people placed 911 calls that led them to believe it was a legitimate abduction. Believing the teen was in danger, they issued a nationwide Amber Alert, describing the girl as 5-feet-7 and 140 pounds with brown eyes. She has not been identified.

The family van was found at 12:20 a.m. today in Jacksonville. Authorities said the family is now in Fort Lauderdale.

The incident remains under investigation as the Commonwealth's Attorney's Office in Stafford County and sheriff's office determine if any charges will be filed against the family.