The South Carolina Law Enforcement Division (SLED) has issued an AMBER Alert for one-year-old Dylan Saige Cooper, who was abducted on January 2, 2025. Authorities are urgently seeking the public’s assistance in locating the child and her alleged abductor, 32-year-old Macie Eaddy.
The abduction has gripped Florence, South Carolina, with law enforcement racing against time to ensure the child’s safe return. Here is what we know about the ongoing investigation and the critical details surrounding this case:
The Abduction: What Happened?
Dylan Saige Cooper was last seen with Macie Eaddy at approximately 6:00 p.m. on Thursday, January 2, 2025, at the Roses store on South Irby Street in Florence, South Carolina. Witnesses reported seeing Eaddy leaving the store with the child before driving away in a white 2012 Mitsubishi Lancer with a South Carolina temporary license plate number XWR0804H.
Authorities have not disclosed the circumstances leading to the abduction but have confirmed that Eaddy and Dylan were seen together shortly before the alert was issued. Investigators are now piecing together the events leading up to the disappearance to better understand Eaddy’s motives and the risk posed to Dylan’s safety.
Description of the Suspect and Vehicle
Macie Eaddy, 32, is described as:
- Height: 5 feet 5 inches
- Weight: Approximately 140 pounds
- Hair: Brown
- Eyes: Brown
She is believed to be driving a white 2012 Mitsubishi Lancer with a South Carolina temporary license plate, XWR0804H.
Officials are urging anyone who spots the vehicle or Eaddy to immediately report it to local authorities. The public’s role in identifying and reporting sightings could be crucial in resolving this case swiftly.
Description of the Missing Child
Dylan Saige Cooper, the one-year-old victim, is described as:
- Gender: Female
- Age: 1 year old
- Hair: Blonde
- Eyes: Blue
Law enforcement is emphasizing the urgency of locating Dylan, noting that time is critical in cases involving young children.
Law Enforcement Response and Public Assistance
The Florence Police Department and the South Carolina Law Enforcement Division are leading the investigation, with additional support from local and federal agencies. The AMBER Alert system has been activated, broadcasting Dylan’s information across social media platforms, television networks, and highway signs throughout the region.
Investigators are working around the clock, following up on tips and analyzing surveillance footage from the Roses store and nearby locations.
Community Efforts and Public Outreach
In Florence and surrounding communities, the public has rallied to share Dylan’s story. Social media platforms have been flooded with posts containing her photo and the details of her abduction, as people from across South Carolina and beyond work together to help locate her.
Community leaders and activists are also organizing search efforts, urging residents to remain vigilant and report anything suspicious. Flyers with Dylan’s image and information about Eaddy and the vehicle have been distributed widely.
Expert Insights: The Importance of the First 48 Hours
Experts in child abduction cases stress that the first 48 hours are critical in ensuring the safe recovery of a missing child. “The sooner the public is informed and engaged, the higher the chances of locating the child unharmed,” said Dr. Sarah Connors, a criminologist specializing in child safety.
Dr. Connors emphasized the role of the AMBER Alert system in mobilizing communities. “When the details are shared widely and accurately, it creates a network of eyes and ears that law enforcement can’t achieve alone. Every second counts in cases like this.”
Emotional Toll on the Family
Dylan’s family is enduring an unimaginable ordeal as they await news of her whereabouts. Friends and relatives have described the one-year-old as a happy and playful child, loved deeply by everyone who knows her.
A family spokesperson issued a plea through local media, saying, “Please, if anyone has any information, come forward. Dylan means everything to us, and we just want her home safely.”
How the Public Can Help
Authorities are urging anyone with information to immediately contact 911 or the Florence Police Department. Here’s how you can assist:
- Be Vigilant: Keep an eye out for the suspect, vehicle, and child, especially in public places like gas stations, rest stops, and shopping centers.
- Share Information: Spread the word on social media and within your community using the details from the AMBER Alert.
- Report Tips: If you see anything that could help law enforcement, don’t hesitate to call. Even seemingly small details could be crucial.
Ongoing Investigation and Updates
As the investigation unfolds, law enforcement officials will provide updates to the public. Press conferences and official statements are expected in the coming hours, as authorities intensify their efforts to locate Dylan.
The case has captured national attention, drawing the focus of advocacy groups and child safety organizations. Officials remain optimistic that the combined efforts of law enforcement and the public will lead to Dylan’s safe recovery.
A Call for Awareness and Unity
The abduction of Dylan Saige Cooper serves as a stark reminder of the importance of community vigilance and the role each individual can play in ensuring the safety of children. As Florence and the broader South Carolina community come together, the hope remains strong that Dylan will be found and returned to her family.
Anyone with information is urged to act immediately. Time is of the essence, and the public’s assistance is invaluable in resolving this case. Stay tuned for further updates as this story develops.
