Florence Woman Arrested for Abducting 1-Year-Old Child

News Summary

A Florence woman, Macie Deeanna Eaddy, has been arrested for allegedly abducting a 1-year-old child and leaving her abandoned in freezing temperatures. The incident began at a local store when Eaddy was entrusted with the child during a shopping trip. The child was later found in good health, prompting a frantic search and an Amber Alert. Eaddy faces charges of kidnapping and grand larceny, raising concerns about safety in the community.

Florence Woman Arrested After Abducting 1-Year-Old and Leaving Her in Cold

In a shocking turn of events in Florence, a 1-year-old child was abducted and later found abandoned in freezing temperatures, prompting an urgent response from law enforcement. This unusual case has drawn attention and left many in the community feeling shaken.

The Start of a Disturbing Incident

The drama began on a chilly Thursday afternoon when 32-year-old Macie Deeanna Eaddy was last seen with the child at a local store, Rose’s on South Irby Street. Eaddy had been shopping alongside the child’s mother, who trusted her enough to let Eaddy take the little one to the car around 6 p.m. However, what started as a routine shopping trip quickly turned into a nightmare.

As the evening unfolded, the child’s mother became increasingly concerned when Eaddy did not return. Surveillance footage confirmed her worst fears, showing Eaddy leaving with the child and getting into the mother’s car. By around 8:55 p.m., the distressed mother reported the abduction to the Florence police, setting off a chain reaction of frantic searching.

A Frantic Search Begins

Law enforcement agencies jumped into action. The South Carolina Law Enforcement Division (SLED) was contacted just after midnight, leading to an Amber Alert being issued around 5:50 a.m. on Friday. Search parties combed the area overnight, fueled by the desire to bring the young child back home safely.

A Miracle in the Cold

Things took a much-needed positive turn around 6:50 a.m. on Friday morning when the brave community members of Timmonsville discovered the child. Abandoned outdoors on Cale Yarborough Highway, the toddler was still strapped in her safety seat, amidst sub-33 degree temperatures. Miraculously, the child was found in good health and was promptly taken to McLeod Regional Medical Center for a check-up.

The Arrest

Just hours after the toddler was located, Eaddy was apprehended by authorities in nearby Sumter County. She was found in the mother’s vehicle and faced charges of kidnapping, grand larceny, and driving under suspension. It appears she might face additional charges from the Florence County Sheriff’s Office as the investigation continues.

A Troubling Connection

The details surrounding Eaddy’s actions have raised eyebrows. Allegedly, she claimed to have dropped the child off at an apartment complex in Florence with a mutual friend of hers and the child’s mother. This raises significant questions about the motives behind her actions and who she believed she could trust.

Interestingly enough, the homeowners who discovered the child were not connected to either Eaddy or the family. They reported hearing a car horn multiple times around 8:30 p.m. before witnessing a vehicle leave their driveway. This detail played a crucial role in piecing together the timeline of events.

A Community on Alert

This harrowing episode has prompted law enforcement to urge parents and caregivers to remain vigilant. Authorities are emphasizing the importance of being cautious about who interacts with young children, a lesson many in the Florence community are taking to heart right now.

This incident serves as a reminder that while we often feel safe in our neighborhoods, it’s essential to stay alert and ensure our little ones are always surrounded by trusted individuals. The community is still reeling from the events, and it will take time for residents to get back to a sense of normalcy after this chilling abduction.