An urgent statewide Amber Alert has been issued in Ohio for 5-year-old Darnell Taylor, triggering a widespread search effort after he vanished alongside his 48-year-old foster mother, Pammy Maye.
Columbus police have launched a comprehensive investigation and are urging anyone with pertinent information to step forward.
The circumstances leading to the issuance of the Amber Alert unfolded when Maye's husband contacted emergency services around 3 a.m. on Wednesday. He reported Maye's alarming behavior after he said she made statements that led him to believe Taylor was in danger.
"We believe this child is in danger, so we are asking for the public's help," Columbus Police Chief Elaine R. Bryant said.
Deputy Chief Smith Weir of the Columbus Police Department revealed in a press briefing that Maye's husband was disturbed by statements Maye made, indicating potential harm to Taylor.
The exact nature of these statements has not been disclosed by authorities but Weir indicated that they have reason to believe the child is in danger due to certain circumstances surrounding the disappearance.
Taylor was last seen at his residence on the 900 block of Reeb Avenue in Columbus, situated on the city's South Side. Maye departed from the residence, reportedly driving a 2015 Jeep Cherokee.
Subsequently, law enforcement discovered the empty vehicle in Brooklyn, Ohio, approximately two hours from the initial location. Authorities swiftly responded to the situation, initiating searches and issuing an Amber Alert shortly after 5 a.m.
Efforts to locate Maye and Taylor have extended to multiple addresses associated with them, including those of relatives and acquaintances. Despite these efforts, their whereabouts remain unknown.
Detailed Descriptions of Suspect and Missing Child
Descriptions provided by law enforcement depict Maye as a petite woman, standing at 4 feet 9 inches tall and weighing approximately 115 pounds. She was last seen wearing a green floral nightgown paired with pink shoes.
Meanwhile, Taylor is described as a young boy donning Spider-Man-themed attire and white boots.
Weir stated that it is believed the parents have been fostering the child since May 2023. Maye's husband is cooperating with law enforcement, the motive behind the disappearance remains elusive.
Authorities, meanwhile, are in the process of reaching out to the biological parents of the missing child.
Residents in the 43207 ZIP code, particularly those in the South Alum Creek neighborhood, are urged to remain vigilant and report any suspicious activities or sightings to the Columbus Division of Police.
The situation has evoked deep concern among law enforcement officials, who underscore the urgency of the matter. Police Chief Bryant emphasized the gravity of the situation, urging individuals to come forward with any information that could aid in locating Taylor and Maye.
Authorities advise anyone with information to contact the Division of Police nonemergency line at 614-645-4545 or the tip line at 614-645-2228. Every lead is crucial in ensuring the safe reunion of Darnell with his loved ones.
