Amber Alert Successfully Resolved as Missing Girl Found Safe

News Summary

An Amber Alert in Florence County was joyfully canceled after a one-year-old girl named Dylan Cooper was found safe and sound. The girl had been reported missing after her mother left her with an acquaintance, who fled with the child. Thankfully, a witness discovered her abandoned but unharmed. The suspect was quickly apprehended, facing numerous serious charges, while the community breathes a sigh of relief over the child’s safe return.

Amber Alert Ends Happily as Little Girl is Found Safe in Florence County

Florence County woke up to a whirlwind of emotions early Friday morning when a heartwarming story unfolded after the discovery of a 1-year-old girl who had been reported missing. The little girl, named Dylan Cooper, was found safe, bringing a sense of relief to the community as the details of her abduction surfaced.

How It All Started

The drama began around 6:50 a.m. when a kind-hearted witness stumbled upon Dylan abandoned outside a home on Cale Yarborough Highway in Timmonsville. Reports say that the child was left in a child restraint, exposed to the chilly temperatures overnight, and thankfully, she was found before anything serious happened to her.

The situation began on the evening of January 2, when Dylan’s mother, Lindsey Britt, was shopping at a Roses store. She was with a 32-year-old acquaintance named Macie Eaddy, who offered to wait outside with the little one while Britt completed her shopping. However, things took a turn when Eaddy fled the scene with the baby instead!

A Community Reacts

The early morning discovery led to the activation of an Amber Alert by the South Carolina Law Enforcement Division (SLED) shortly after 6 a.m. on Friday. For a community that cares deeply for its children, the news prompted alarm bells to go off, leading many to hope for Dylan’s safe return.

The Quick Arrest

Authorities were quick to act, and Eaddy was identified as the primary suspect. She was apprehended just an hour later around 7 a.m., after being spotted driving a white 2012 Mitsubishi Lancer with a temporary South Carolina license plate. Investigators pieced together that Eaddy dropped off little Dylan at a nearby residence around 8:30 p.m. on the day of the shopping trip, which only deepened the mystery surrounding her actions.

It was noted that the homeowner who found Dylan reported hearing a car horn and seeing a vehicle leaving the driveway as she came across the abandoned child. Thankfully, upon finding Dylan, the homeowner, Tonya Dennis, quickly provided care for the little girl, who appeared to be in good health but quite hungry after her ordeal. Dennis fed Dylan milk and crackers, ensuring that she was comforted.

Serious Charges Looming

Meanwhile, Eaddy is facing numerous serious charges, including kidnapping, driving under suspension, possession of less than one gram of meth or cocaine, and a fugitive hold from another state. Authorities believe additional charges may arise as the Florence Police Department and the Florence County Sheriff’s Office continue their investigation.

What’s more concerning is that authorities confirmed Eaddy had outstanding warrants at the time of her arrest, raising questions about her intentions and past behavior.

Community Concern

With the harrowing experience fresh in the minds of the community, friends of Dylan’s mother expressed their concerns regarding the safety of children around acquaintances. This incident has sparked a valuable conversation about being cautious with whom parents allow their children to be around, especially in sometimes unpredictable situations.

A Happy Ending

In a swift turn of events, the Amber Alert was officially canceled just before 7:30 a.m. once little Dylan was confirmed safe and sound. It’s a bittersweet reminder of the challenges some families face, but for the moment, the focus is on the joy of her safe return and the overwhelming relief that followed.

As the community gathers its breaths and comes to terms with the events that transpired, many are left thinking about the importance of vigilance when it comes to child safety. It is a reminder for all to cherish and protect the littlest members of our families, ensuring they are safe and sound.