Timmonsville Community Relieved After 1-Year-Old Found Safe

News Summary

A 1-year-old girl from Timmonsville, South Carolina, has been safely located after a distressing search effort. Dylan Cooper was discovered abandoned early Friday following an Amber Alert. The community celebrated her safe return as the police worked swiftly to resolve the case, arresting the suspect and highlighting the importance of vigilance in ensuring children’s safety.

Timmonsville Community Relieved After 1-Year-Old Found Safe

In a story that gripped the hearts of many in Timmonsville, South Carolina, a 1-year-old girl has been safely located after a night of worry and an extensive search. Little Dylan Cooper was found early Friday morning, abandoned and alone, around 6:50 a.m. outside a home on Cale Yarborough Highway. Her discovery came just hours after an Amber Alert was issued, sending shockwaves through the local community.

The Timeline of Events

Everything unfolded on a chilly Thursday evening when Dylan’s mother, Lindsey Britt, was shopping at a Roses store in Florence. Macie Eaddy, a 32-year-old woman who had been with them, offered to take Dylan to the car while Britt finished her shopping. However, when Britt finally wrapped up her errands, she was met with a devastating surprise: Eaddy had vanished with both her child and the car.

As the night wore on and temperatures dipped into the 30s, a frantic search began. Just before 6 a.m. on Friday, the South Carolina Law Enforcement Division (SLED) issued an Amber Alert for Dylan, alerting the public of the alarming situation. Eyewitnesses reported seeing Eaddy driving away in a white 2012 Mitsubishi Lancer, bearing the temporary license plate number XWR0804H after reportedly honking multiple times as she left the area.

Dark Hours and a Brave Rescue

Throughout the night, little Dylan was left in a child restraint seat, exposed to near-freezing temperatures for an agonizing stretch from approximately 8 p.m. to 7 a.m. Just as many were beginning to lose hope, a witness noticed her around 6:50 a.m. the following day. Emergency responders were quick to act, and Dylan was taken to a nearby hospital for evaluation, where she was found to be in surprisingly good health despite her cold ordeal. However, medical staff reported her temperature was alarmingly low, at just 90 degrees upon discovery.

Arrest of the Suspect

Meanwhile, Eaddy was arrested around 7 a.m. the same day after law enforcement officials performed a felony stop on her vehicle in Sumter County. She faces several severe charges, including kidnapping, grand larceny, and driving under suspension. Authorities have indicated that additional charges from the Florence County Sheriff’s Office may also be forthcoming.

In a startling twist, Eaddy claimed that she left Dylan at an apartment complex with a mutual friend, a statement that will likely be investigated thoroughly. The allegations raised serious concerns about how someone could endanger a child in such harsh conditions, and many in the community are eager for justice.

The Community Comes Together

The rapid response from the police, along with coordination from the FBI and other agencies, highlights the collective effort to safely return a child in distress. The entire Timmonsville community can breathe a sigh of relief knowing that Dylan has been reunited with her family and appears to be in good health.

As this story continues to develop, the focus now shifts to the legal proceedings against Eaddy, a case that has already stirred an emotional response from the public. Local residents are left questioning how such a situation could have unfolded and are grateful for the swift action that brought Dylan home safe and sound.

We will continue monitoring the situation as more details become available, including the ongoing investigation and any new information regarding the suspect. For now, Dylan’s safe return is what’s most important, and community members are coming together to offer their love and support.