Amber Alert Issued for Abducted Toddler in Florence

News Summary

An Amber Alert has been triggered in Florence, South Carolina for a missing 1-year-old girl named Dylan Cooper. The child was abducted from a shopping center. The suspect, Macie Eaddy, has been arrested after Dylan was found safe. Authorities are urging the community to remain vigilant and report any suspicious activities as the investigation continues.

Amber Alert Issued for Abducted Toddler in Florence: An Urgent Search

Florence, South Carolina, is on high alert as authorities are desperately searching for a missing 1-year-old girl named Dylan Cooper. The South Carolina Law Enforcement Division (SLED) triggered an Amber Alert on Tuesday night, December 31, 2024, following a troubling abduction incident.

What Happened?

The scene unfolded in a local shopping center, specifically at H&Y Beauty and Rose, where Dylan was with her mother, _Lindsey Britt_. As the story goes, _Macie Eaddy_, a 32-year-old woman, offered to take young Dylan out to the car while Britt finished up her shopping around 6 p.m. However, when Britt went to check on her daughter, she discovered that Eaddy had vanished with Dylan.

Finding the Culprit

According to local authorities, Eaddy was last seen near Rose’s on South Irby Street. Unfortunately, she is not thought to still be within the city limits of Florence. The Florence Police Department (FPD) is currently leading the investigation into this alarming case and has reached out to the public for help in locating the two.

In the Amber Alert, Eaddy is described as being 5 feet 5 inches tall, weighing around 140 pounds, with brown hair and brown eyes. At the time of the abduction, she was dressed in army green pants, a black sweatshirt, and pink shoes, making her easily identifiable. Meanwhile, little Dylan, who is about 3 feet tall and weighs around 30 pounds, has blonde hair, striking blue eyes, and a distinctive dimple on her left cheek. Together, they were spotted leaving the Roses Department Store in video footage.

The Vehicle Connection

Authorities believe that the vehicle involved may be a white 2012 Mitsubishi Lancer, displaying a South Carolina temporary license plate marked XWR0804H. With this knowledge, police have been actively looking for both Eaddy and Dylan.

A Major Breakthrough

After a tense period of searching, things took a dramatic turn. On the morning of Friday, January 2, 2025, Dylan was found outside on Cale Yarborough Highway, still buckled in a child restraint seat. It was around 7 a.m., and, thankfully, she appeared to be in good condition despite the near-freezing temperatures. A nearby homeowner spotted the little girl and immediately alerted authorities.

Arrest and Investigation Continues

The Amber Alert was promptly canceled after Dylan was safely recovered. Eaddy was later arrested in Sumter County after being spotted in the vehicle she took with her. During the police investigation, it was revealed that Eaddy had outstanding warrants from Florence County and was driving under suspension. To make matters even more troubling, suspected methamphetamine was found in her possession at the time of her arrest.

Next Steps

While Eaddy claimed she dropped off Dylan with a mutual friend, the authorities are not buying her story and continue to explore every lead related to the abduction. Eaddy is now facing serious charges, including kidnapping and possibly more, as investigations reveal the full extent of this unsettling case.

A Lesson in Vigilance

This incident serves as a critical reminder to all parents to remain vigilant and cautious when leaving their children with others, even if they seem trustworthy. As the investigation unfolds, the community of Florence is breathing a sigh of relief knowing that Dylan is safe, but the fear and concern linger as questions remain about Eaddy’s motives.

Florence residents and parents alike are encouraged to stay alert and report any suspicious activity to local authorities. Together, the city can continue working towards keeping its children safe.