Amber Alert Issued for Abducted 1-Year-Old in Florence, S.C.

News Summary

An Amber Alert was issued in Florence, S.C. after 1-year-old Dylan Saige Cooper was abducted by a family acquaintance. Eaddy, the suspect, was arrested after abandoning the child. Dylan was found safe thanks to a vigilant homeowner. The community is relieved by his recovery.

Amber Alert Issued for Abducted 1-Year-Old in Florence, S.C.

Florence, South Carolina, was shaken on New Year’s Eve when a 1-year-old boy named Dylan Saige Cooper was reported abducted. This alarming situation unfolded on the night of December 31, 2024, prompting a serious response from local authorities.

The Incident Details

The South Carolina Law Enforcement Division (SLED) stepped in to issue an Amber Alert at the request of the Florence Police Department after Dylan’s mother, Lindsey Britt, reported the shocking incident. The mother had been shopping with 32-year-old Macie Eaddy at a local store named H&Y Beauty and Rose around 6 p.m. Eaddy had offered to take little Dylan to the car while Britt wrapped up her shopping spree.

When Britt returned, she was alarmed to find that both Eaddy and her child were missing. Even more distressing was the fact that Eaddy had taken off with Britt’s car! The mystery deepened as Eaddy was last spotted near Roses on South Irby Street, with investigators believing she has since escaped beyond the city limits of Florence.

Descriptions of Dylan and Eaddy

Authorities have described Eaddy as a woman about 5′5″ tall, weighing around 140 pounds, with brown hair and brown eyes. She was last seen wearing army green pants, a black sweatshirt, and pink shoes. Meanwhile, little Dylan is around 3 feet tall, weighing approximately 30 pounds. He has striking blonde hair, blue eyes, and a charming dimple on his left cheek.

As the investigation intensified, law enforcement revealed that Eaddy might be driving a white 2012 Mitsubishi Lancer sporting a temporary South Carolina license plate, which read XWR0804H. Authorities have reached out to the public, asking anyone who might have seen either Eaddy or Dylan to get in touch immediately with local law enforcement.

The Discovery

The investigation took a significant turn on January 1, 2025, when surveillance footage showed Eaddy with Dylan as they were leaving Roses Department Store. Tragically, it was reported that Eaddy had abandoned the little boy in a child restraint seat on Cale Yarborough Highway around 8 p.m. on December 31, just hours after the abduction.

Fortunately, a thoughtful homeowner stumbled upon Dylan at approximately 7 a.m. on January 1 and promptly alerted authorities. Despite being left in near-freezing temperatures, Dylan was found to be in good health. He was quickly taken to McLeod Regional Medical Center for a thorough examination, where he was determined to be unharmed.

Eaddy’s Arrest

In a stroke of luck, Eaddy was apprehended in Sumter County around 7 a.m. after deputies recognized her vehicle, which matched the car linked to the abduction. When confronted, Eaddy attempted to downplay the situation, claiming she had merely dropped Dylan off at an apartment complex with a mutual friend. At the time of her arrest, Eaddy faced a serious array of charges, including outstanding warrants from Florence County, driving with a suspended license, and suspicions of having methamphetamine in her possession.

Conclusion

The Amber Alert for Dylan Cooper was eventually lifted after the little boy had been safely located. Thanks to the quick actions of the homeowner, authorities have been able to ensure that Dylan is safe and sound. As local officials continue to process the details and charges surrounding Eaddy’s actions, the community is left relieved that this young child is now back where he belongs.

In a world that often seems chaotic, the successful recovery of Dylan Cooper reminds us of the importance of community vigilance and swift action in the face of danger. Let’s hope such alarming incidents remain rare, and safety and security return to Florence.