BOSTON -- The father of a missing 6-month-old baby, whose disappearance triggered a statewide Amber Alert Tuesday, was apprehended by police in Burlington overnight.

Officers arrested Michael Whalen, 42, in connection with the kidnapping of the baby, Lucas, after a relative was awarded custody of the child.

Video

Whalen was arrested at the Homestead Suites in Burlington about 1:45 a.m. after his car was spotted in the parking lot and SWAT teams were called in, police said.

The baby's mother, Danielle Boyle, 24, turned herself in at the Arlington Police department about 7:30 p.m. Tuesday. She brought the unharmed baby with her.

She was brought by a cab driver who drove her in after she said she had no money for the fare. The child was turned over the his aunt, Sheila.

"I was shocked. I didn't think it was going to go as fast as I thought it would go ... (Danielle) is upset with me, but she'll get through it," Sheila Boyle said.

Police said Whalen and Danielle Boyle disappeared with the child after a court hearing awarded custody of the baby to Sheila Boyle.

Based on statements that were made, officials were concerned enough about the baby's safety to issue the Amber Alert and the couple's car was found abandoned some time later at the Burlington Mall.

"After learning that the court had awarded custody to another family member, the biological parents fled the area and made statements that they were not willing to turn over the child," Arlington Police Department Chief Frederick Ryan said.

"He (Whalen) has been making statements and threats," said Massachusetts State Police Trooper Eric Benson. "The nature of the threats and statements were of significant concern to law enforcement and led us to believe that Lucas (was) in great danger."

Whalen is expected to be arraigned in Cambridge District Court Thursday.