Amber Alert Activated for Missing 1-Year-Old in Florence

News Summary

An Amber Alert was issued in Florence, South Carolina, for 1-year-old Dylan Cooper after she was abducted by Macie Eaddy on December 31, 2024. After frantic search efforts, Dylan was found safe on January 3, 2025. Eaddy was later apprehended and faces severe charges, including kidnapping. The case highlights community vigilance and cooperation with law enforcement.

Amber Alert Issued in Florence as 1-Year-Old Dylan Cooper Taken

In a heart-wrenching turn of events, authorities in Florence, South Carolina issued an Amber Alert for a missing 1-year-old girl named Dylan Cooper following her abduction on December 31, 2024. The South Carolina Law Enforcement Division (SLED) stepped in at the request of the Florence Police Department (FPD) to aid in the search for the child.

How It All Started

The unsettling situation unfolded when Dylan was shopping with her mother at H&Y Beauty and Rose. During their outing, a 32-year-old woman named Macie Eaddy offered to take little Dylan to the family’s car while her mother finished shopping. The mother, perhaps unaware of the dangers that could arise in such situations, agreed to Eaddy’s offer.

But when the mother concluded her shopping and returned to the car, she was greeted with dread. Eaddy had vanished with Dylan, prompting the frantic call to the police that initiated the Amber Alert. Authorities swiftly sprang into action, working to locate both the suspect and the child. Eaddy, it was reported, was last seen near Rose’s on South Irby Street, and it was feared that she had left the Florence city limits.

Descriptions and Vehicle Identification

Authorities have provided detailed descriptions in hopes that someone might spot Eaddy and little Dylan. Eaddy stands about 5′5″ tall, weighs around 140 pounds, has brown hair and brown eyes. On the day of the abduction, she was wearing army green pants, a black sweatshirt, and pink shoes.

As for Dylan, she is described as approximately 3 feet tall, weighing about 30 pounds, with adorable blonde hair, striking blue eyes, and a notable dimple on her left cheek. Eaddy may have been driving a white 2012 Mitsubishi Lancer, which features a South Carolina temporary license plate, XWR0804H.

Community Engagement and Search Efforts

The Amber Alert was a crucial call for help, as authorities sought the public’s assistance in locating both Dylan and Eaddy. Meanwhile, the clock ticked, and the community rallied, hoping for a safe and speedy resolution to this alarming episode.

Finding Dylan

Thankfully, on January 3, 2025, the story took a turn for the better when a thoughtful homeowner discovered Dylan near freezing temperatures around 7 a.m. Dylan, despite being in distressing circumstances, was found safe and sound. She was promptly taken to a local hospital for check-ups, and reports indicated she appeared well overall, which was a huge relief to many in the community.

Eaddy’s Capture and Legal Troubles

Eaddy’s luck ran out soon after. Law enforcement was able to track down Eaddy in Sumter County, where she was apprehended after being spotted in the Mitsubishi Lancer. At the time of her arrest, Eaddy claimed she had dropped Dylan off at an apartment complex with a mutual friend. However, the tale only added to the growing suspicions surrounding her actions.

Upon further investigation, it was revealed that Eaddy had outstanding warrants from Florence County, was driving with a suspended license, and was in possession of suspected methamphetamine at her time of capture. She now faces serious charges related to Dylan’s abduction, including kidnapping.

A Community’s Sigh of Relief

The aftermath of this frightening incident left many in Florence relieved but also puzzled about the circumstances that led to such a tragic event. Law enforcement continues to investigate, ensuring the safety and welfare of everyone involved.

As the community wraps its arms around Dylan’s return, it serves as a reminder of the importance of vigilance and the power of partnership between law enforcement and the public.