Abducted Toddler Found Safe in Florence, SC

News Summary

A 1-year-old girl, Dylan Saige Cooper, was found safe after being abducted while shopping in Florence, SC. Following a tireless overnight search and an Amber Alert, she was located in Timmonsville. The suspect, Macie Eaddy, has been arrested and faces serious charges. The community’s swift response showcases the importance of vigilance in ensuring children’s safety.

Happy Ending in Florence: Abducted Toddler Found Safe!

Florence, South Carolina, has witnessed a heart-stopping tale that took a worrying turn on Thursday evening but has wrapped up with relief and gratitude. A 1-year-old girl named Dylan Saige Cooper was reportedly abducted while out shopping, but thankfully, she has been reunited with her family after a tireless overnight search.

The Abduction

It all began around 6 p.m. on Thursday when little Cooper was at a Rose’s store on South Irby Street with a woman who was supposed to be looking after her. That woman, identified as Macie Eaddy, aged 32, was last seen leaving the store with Cooper. Instead of keeping her safe, Eaddy allegedly took the child’s mother’s car—a white 2012 Mitsubishi Lancer—and disappeared.

The Search Begins

The situation escalated quickly, prompting authorities to issue an Amber Alert for the young girl the following morning. Parents and community members alike were rattled, uniting in concern for Cooper’s safety. And when it comes to abductions, time is truly of the essence. The longer a child is missing, the more critical it becomes to find them. Volunteers, neighbors, and law enforcement sprang into action, all praying for a safe outcome.

A Happy Discovery

Fortunately, around 6:50 a.m. Friday, just hours after the Amber Alert was issued, Cooper was found safe outside a home in Timmonsville, South Carolina. She appeared to be unharmed, which certainly lifted the spirits of many who had been following the heart-wrenching story. However, out of an abundance of caution, medical professionals took her to a hospital for precautionary checks. As for how long she was alone before being discovered, that detail remains unclear, but the relief on everyone’s faces was evident.

Catching the Suspect

Meanwhile, Eaddy wasn’t far behind. Around 7 a.m. Friday, law enforcement managed to locate her in Sumter County. They recognized the stolen vehicle she had taken from Cooper’s mother. It is alarming to note that Eaddy already had outstanding warrants from Florence County and was driving under suspension, raising even more red flags. But that’s not all—she was also found in possession of suspected methamphetamine at the time of her arrest.

Background on the Case

It raises questions about what went wrong. The child’s mother, Lindsey Britt, had asked Eaddy to watch Cooper while she shopped, but it turned into an ordeal that no parent should ever have to endure. Surveillance footage confirmed that Eaddy left the store with Cooper, leading to a frantic search that thankfully ended well.

Moving Forward

As of now, Macie Eaddy has been charged with serious offenses, including kidnapping, trafficking, and drug-related charges. She remains in custody at the Sumter County Detention Center. Authorities have not clarified whether there was any prior relationship between Eaddy and Cooper, leaving the public with many questions. The temporary South Carolina license plate number for the stolen vehicle was XWR0804H, a small detail that played a crucial role in locating Eaddy.

A Call for Information

The community has rallied together in the wake of this troubling incident, with police urging anyone who may have information regarding the case to step forward and assist. The Florence Police can be reached at 843-665-3191 for those with any tips to offer. In the meantime, the streets of Florence can breathe a sigh of relief as the little girl is safe, reminding everyone of the importance of community vigilance and support.

Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic

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