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Kidnapped Toddler Found Safe in Florence County

The Florence County community expresses relief and gratitude after the safe return of a kidnapped toddler.

News Summary

Florence County breathed a sigh of relief as a 1-year-old girl, Dylan Cooper, was found safe after a suspected abduction. Local authorities acted swiftly to respond to an Amber Alert, leading to her discovery outside a home. The alleged abductor, Macie Eaddy, has been arrested, and the investigation reveals chilling details about Dylan’s abandonment. Thankfully, she was reported to be in good health following her ordeal.

Kidnapped Toddler Found Safe in Florence County

Florence County is buzzing with relief as a 1-year-old girl, _Dylan Cooper_, has been found safe following an alarming suspected abduction. In a heart-stopping series of events, local authorities sprang into action early Friday morning after the little one was discovered outside a home in Timmonsville.

The Discovery

A concerned local resident stumbled upon Dylan abandoned outside on Cale Yarborough Highway around 6:50 a.m. The circumstances leading up to this heart-wrenching moment are still a bit murky. It remains unclear just how long the child was left alone before help arrived, raising many questions amongst anxious residents.

The Quick Response

Thankfully, law enforcement responded swiftly. An Amber Alert for Dylan was activated shortly before 6 a.m., galvanizing the community into action. Just after 7:30 a.m., the alert was canceled when Dylan was located. Many locals breathed a sigh of relief knowing the young girl was back in safe hands.

Who’s Responsible?

The alleged abductor, identified as 32-year-old _Macie Eaddy_, was arrested within the hour, around 7 a.m. Law enforcement officials revealed that Dylan and Eaddy were last seen together at a Roses store on South Irby Street in Florence around 6 p.m. the previous day. While shopping alongside Dylan’s mother, Lindsey Britt, it’s reported that she had temporarily entrusted Eaddy with watching Dylan while finishing her shopping.

The Shocking Turn of Events

But the situation swiftly turned dire when Lindsey found that Eaddy had vanished with Dylan. This prompted an immediate search for both the child and the suspect. Authorities described Eaddy as having driven a white 2012 Mitsubishi Lancer with a temporary South Carolina plate, i.e., _XWR0804H_.

How Long Was Dylan Abandoned?

Investigation reveals that Cooper was likely abandoned around 8:30 p.m. on Thursday. A shocking detail that emerged was that the home where Dylan was discovered had no known connection to Eaddy, Cooper, or Britt. It raises unsettling questions about how this could happen so close to home.

A Grateful Community Responds

The heroic local resident, _Tonya Dennis_, who found Dylan, reported that she heard car horns and noticed a vehicle leaving before discovering the toddler in her driveway. After bringing Cooper inside, Dennis noted that the child was extremely hungry and drank milk very quickly—an indication of just how hard the night must have been for her.

The Legal Fallout

As Dylan’s story unfolded, it emerged that the Florence City Police had issued arrest warrants for Eaddy. These warrants indicate that Cooper was left outside from approximately 8 p.m. to the following morning—an incredibly harsh reality, particularly for such a young child, who was reportedly found in a child restraint seat and exposed to dangerously cold temperatures.

Health Update

Dylan was transported to McLeod Hospital for a medical evaluation but appeared to be in _good health_, bringing further relief to the stunned community looking for a positive outcome amidst chaos. Meanwhile, Eaddy faces a slew of problems herself. Alongside the pending kidnapping charges from both the Florence Police and the Florence County Sheriff’s Office, she had outstanding warrants for other offenses, including driving under suspension and possession of meth or cocaine.

A Cautionary Tale

This harrowing incident serves as a grim reminder of how quickly safety can be jeopardized and highlights the importance of vigilance in our neighborhoods. As we celebrate Dylan’s safe return, her story fuels concern and conversation about child safety in our communities.

The community of Florence County is undoubtedly shaken but grateful for the swift actions of the local law enforcement and vigilant residents that led to Dylan Cooper’s safe return.