Capt. Becky Hord cuddles Jacob Martin as dispatcher Tara Groce, standing left, and Deputy Kevin Holton look on. Deputies took Jacob from his mother after she allegedly threatened him. (T-G Photo by David Melson) [Click to enlarge]

Hord and Deputy Kevin Holton removed 2 ½-month-old Jacob Martin from a home near Pleasant Grove without incident after his mother, who had allegedly threatened to harm him, left Gainesboro in her mother's pickup without permission.

Jackson County authorities notified authorities that Patricia Martin, 23, and Jacob, both of Gainesboro, were possibly on their way to Bedford County to visit a man she'd met in a mental health facility.

Martin was released about two weeks ago, Hord said, and the man has returned home as well.

Jacob only has one kidney and authorities feared his mother had not packed medication.

"We were notified she may be at a residence on Simmons Lane (off Highway 130 West)," BCSD dispatcher Tara Groce said. "I sent Becky out there. In the meantime, the TBI called and said they were working on an Amber Alert, which was never completed.

"Martin had allegedly threatened to harm her son," Groce said.

Hord, who handles cases involving children, and Holton arrived moments later.

The home's resident, who investigators said will not be charged, denied the Martins were there, Holton said.

"He said she wasn't there and had gone to Cookeville with friends," Hord said. "Kevin heard her inside."

The man came outside to get a suitcase from the truck, according to Hord and Holton.

" 'Come on, man, I know she's in there, just let us in," Holton said he told the man, "and he invited us in."

The officers were able to take Jacob without incident. Jacob's medication was there as well, Hord said.

Martin was charged with joyriding by Jackson County. Local officials said they do not plan to file charges.

Jacob, who was unharmed, was turned over to his grandparents, Hord said.