UPDATE: Amber Alert canceled; case now a homicide investigation

The Amber Alert issued Tuesday evening for 3-year-old Nola Dinkins has been canceled, and the case is now being investigated as a homicide, according to New Castle County Police.

The alert was issued after Nola’s mother reported that an unknown white male armed with a handgun had abducted the child from her vehicle on the 500 block of Gender Road in Newark. She told police she had pulled over to comfort her daughter when the man approached, took Nola, and fled in a dark-colored SUV driven by a white female.

Following an overnight investigation involving the New Castle County Police Criminal Investigations Unit and the FBI, detectives determined the mother’s initial account was false.

“There is no danger to the public,” police said in a statement. “Sadly, this incident is now being treated as a homicide investigation by the Maryland State Police.”

Authorities have not yet released additional details regarding Nola’s whereabouts or any arrests made. New Castle County Police said they are continuing to work closely with the FBI and Maryland State Police, who are now leading the investigation.

Updates will be provided as more information becomes available.