Japan drops child-snatching case against dad

Christopher Savoie was arrested in Japan after taking his kids from ex-wife

An undated file photograph released by the Williamson County, Tenn. Court Clerk and Master's Office shows Christopher Savoie, center, with his children Isaac and Rebecca in Franklin, Tenn.

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updated 12:37 p.m. ET Nov. 12, 2009

NASHVILLE, Tenn. - A spokesman for a Tennessee father arrested in Japan when he snatched his children from his ex-wife says authorities are dropping the case.

Christopher Savoie was arrested Sept. 30 in Fukoka, Japan, as he tried to enter the U.S. Consulate with his 9-year-old son and 7-year-old daughter. Ex-wife Noriko Savoie had violated a U.S. court custody decision by taking the children from Franklin, Tenn., to her native Japan a month earlier.

Savoie spokesman Wes Yoder said Thursday Christopher Savoie was told Japanese authorities are closing the case.

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After the mother took the children to Japan, a Tennessee court issued a warrant for her arrest and gave the father full custody. That order has no effect because Japan hasn't signed an international treaty governing child abduction.