An Amber Alert has been expressed statewide in Ohio for 5-year-old Darnell Taylor, who authorities say may be in jeopardy after he was taken by his 48-year-old foster mother, Pammy Maye.
Police Issues Amber Alert
Columbus police are urging individuals who may have witnessed Taylor and Maye or possess information relevant to the investigation to come forward.
The situation unfolded when Maye's husband contacted 911 around 3 a.m. on Wednesday, revealing that Maye had awakened him and made statements suggesting potential harm or danger to their foster child, 5-year-old Darnell Taylor.
Deputy Chief Smith Weir of the Columbus Police shared in a press conference that they believe the child is in danger due to circumstances surrounding the disappearance, although specific details of Maye's statements to her husband were not disclosed.
Following the call, Maye departed their residence in a grey 2015 Jeep Cherokee. Police promptly responded to the call, searching the residence without finding Taylor. The unoccupied car was later discovered in Brooklyn, Ohio, approximately two hours away.
Authorities, Foster Dad Seeks Missing 5-Year-Old Boy
An Amber Alert was issued quickly after 5 a.m. on Wednesday. Despite efforts to check various addresses of family and acquaintances, Maye and Taylor could not be located.
Descriptions provided indicate Maye, a 4-foot-9 and around 115 pounds, last seen in a green floral nightgown and pink shoes. Taylor may be dressed in Spiderman pajamas and white boots.
Maye's husband is cooperating with the ongoing investigation, and police continue to conduct a search at their residence.
The couple has been tending the child since May 2023. Authorities have access to the identity of the child's biological parents and are in the means of reaching out to them.
Weir also cited that the police had been called to Maye's residence several months ago for an occurrence irrelevant to the current case.
Describing the situation as "fluid," Bryant urged the public to share any information, regardless of its significance.
In response to inquiries about Taylor's well-being, Bryant stated that it remains uncertain. She emphasized the lack of clarity, stating, "We have no idea about the nature of the current situation."
Police Chief Elaine Bryant emphasized the urgency of the situation, urging the public to provide any information that could assist in the investigation.
What Is an Amber Alert
An Amber Alert, also known as AMBER alert or Child Abduction Emergency Alert (CAE), is a warning announced by a child abduction alert system asking the public's assistance in locating stolen children. This system originated in the United States.
In the United States, Amber Alerts are broadcast through commercial and public radio, Internet radio, satellite radio, television, text messages, cable TV via the Emergency Alert System and NOAA Weather Radio (referred to as "Amber Alerts").
Alerts are also disseminated through email, electronic traffic signs, electronic billboards, and wireless device SMS text messages.
The AMBER Alert system has partnered with Google and Facebook to expand its reach. Citizens using search engines like Google, Yahoo, Bing, and others receive automatic AMBER Alerts when searching or using map features in areas where a child has been recently abducted and an alert has been issued.
Google's public alert, also known as Google AMBER Alert in some countries, displays AMBER Alerts to users searching for related information in specific locations. In some states, lottery terminal display scrollboards are also utilized.
The decision to issue an AMBER Alert is made by the investigating police organization, often the state police or highway patrol.
Publicly shared information typically includes the abductee's name and description, details about the suspected abductor, and, if available, the description and license plate number of the abductor's vehicle.
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