An Alabama woman, Carlethia “Carlee” Nichole Russell, has been reported missing after she alerted a 911 dispatcher about a toddler walking alone on the side of an interstate, as confirmed by local police.
On Thursday at approximately 9:34 p.m. local time, Russell made the distress call to 911, according to a Facebook post from the Hoover Police Department. She informed the dispatcher about the presence of a toddler on the side of I-459 South. After contacting emergency services, Russell stopped to check on the child and called a family member; however, communication was lost, although the line remained open, according to the police statement.
When officers, already en route following the initial 911 call, arrived at the scene, they discovered Russell’s vehicle and some of her belongings, including her phone, but there was no sign of her or the child. The police have not received any reports or calls regarding a missing child, as stated in the Facebook post.
During a press conference held on Friday, authorities emphasized that the investigation remains active and ongoing, and they have offered a reward of up to $25,000 for any pertinent information.
Russell’s mother, Talitha Russell, spoke to CNN affiliate WBRC and expressed her determination to remain positive throughout the search for her daughter. “We are trusting God, staying positive, not allowing any negative thoughts to enter our minds,” she stated. “So all we are doing is trusting God, believing in God that our daughter will be brought home safely.”
Russell is 5 feet 4 inches tall and was last seen wearing a black t-shirt, black pants, and white Nike shoes, according to the Hoover Police Department’s Facebook post. The police have urged anyone who may have seen Russell or possesses any relevant information about the case to contact the department.
Hoover, the sixth largest city in Alabama, is situated approximately 10 miles south of Birmingham.
