A woman from Alabama has gone missing after notifying a 911 dispatcher about a toddler seen walking unaccompanied on the side of an interstate, local police have confirmed.
Carlethia “Carlee” Nichole Russell, a 25-year-old resident, contacted emergency services at approximately 9:34 p.m. on Thursday, as stated in a recent Facebook post by the Hoover Police Department. According to the post, Russell reported spotting a toddler walking along I-459 South and subsequently stopped to check on the child. She also reached out to a family member, but communication was lost, leaving the line open.
Upon arriving at the scene, officers discovered Russell’s vehicle and personal belongings, including her phone, but there was no sign of either her or the child. Notably, the police department has not received any reports or calls concerning a missing child, according to their Facebook update.
During a press conference held on Friday, law enforcement officials declared the case to be active and ongoing, offering a reward of up to $25,000 for relevant information.
Russell’s mother, Talitha Russell, spoke with CNN affiliate WBRC, expressing her determination to maintain a positive outlook throughout the search for her daughter. She stated, “We are trusting God, we are staying positive, we are not allowing any negative thoughts to enter our minds. So all that we are doing is trusting God, believe in God that our daughter will be brought home safely.”
The Hoover police Facebook post describes Russell as 5 feet 4 inches tall, last seen wearing a black t-shirt, black pants, and white Nike shoes. Authorities have urged anyone with information about Russell or the case to contact the department.
Situated approximately 10 miles south of Birmingham, Hoover is the sixth-largest city in Alabama.
Source: CNN
