An Alabama woman has gone missing after telling a 911 dispatcher that she saw a toddler walking alone on the side of an interstate, according to local police.
The woman, 25-year-old Carlethia “Carlee” Nichole Russell, called 911 around 9:34 p.m. local time on Thursday, according to a Facebook post from the Hoover Police Department.
Russell told the dispatcher that she saw a toddler walking on the side of I-459 South. After calling 911, she stopped to check on the child and called a family member who lost contact with her, though the line remained open, according to the Facebook post.
Police said that after speaking to 911, Russell immediately called a family member. During that call, the family member "lost contact with" Russell, "but the line remained open," Hoover Police Lt. Daniel Lowe said in a news conference Friday.
Officers who were already en route to the location of the initial 911 call located Russell’s vehicle and some of her belongings nearby but were unable to find her or a child in the area. The department said it is “anxiously awaiting hopeful news while our prayers are with her family, friends and community. Please join us in prayer for her safe return.”
Efforts to reach the department for further comment were unsuccessful.
The search for Russell, 25, began Thursday night, when Hoover 911 at 9:34 p.m. received a call from Russell, said Lt. Daniel Lowe of Hoover police.
A $20,000 reward for the safe return of Russell has been offered by an anonymous donor.. CrimeStoppers has offered $5,000 making $25,000 available for Russell’s return.
The search began Thursday night and has continued into Friday.
Russell’s parents, Talitha and Carlos Russell, have been searching since Thursday night for their daughter. They have taken to social media seeking help in searches and for anyone with information about their daughter’s whereabouts.
Hoover police have not received any other calls of someone missing a small child.
Authorities are not committing to any one theory in Russell’s disappearance, police said at a Friday afternoon press conference.
Russell is a student at Jefferson State Community College, where she is studying to be a registered nurse. She has a bachelor’s degree in psychology from AUM.
Read more
Wimbledon final 2023: Novak Djokovic to face Carlos Alcaraz The Long Island murderer suspect Rex HeuermannSarah H
Also on site :
- 'American Pickers' Mike Wolfe's New Career Move Has a Surprising Connection to Danielle Colby
- Acting Legend, 68,Spotted Hunting 'Wild Ol' Woman' at CMA Fest
- Colombian presidential hopeful shot in head (GRAPHIC VIDEO)