A statewide Amber Alert was activated on Wednesday morning for a 5-year-old boy who was allegedly abducted by his foster mother in Columbus, Ohio. The boy, Darnell Taylor, is believed to be in danger and the authorities are asking for the public’s help to find him.
Background Information
- The Amber Alert was issued by the Columbus Police Department around 4 a.m. on Wednesday, February 14, 2024, after the foster parent of Darnell Taylor reported that she had harmed him and fled by car.
- Darnell Taylor is described as a black male, 3 feet tall, weighing 45 pounds, with black hair and brown eyes. He was last seen wearing a blue and white striped shirt, blue jeans, and black shoes.
- The suspect is Pammy Maye, a 48-year-old black female, 4 feet 9 inches tall, weighing 115 pounds, with black hair and brown eyes. She was last seen wearing a green floral nightgown and pink shoes.
- The vehicle involved is a gray 2015 Jeep Cherokee with Ohio license plate JIGGZII.
- The abduction occurred at the 900 block of Reeb Avenue in Columbus, where Darnell Taylor lived with his foster parent. The motive and the relationship between the suspect and the victim are unknown at this time.
Updates and Developments
- The suspect’s car was found abandoned in Cleveland, about 140 miles northeast of Columbus, around 7 a.m. on Wednesday.
- A second vehicle, a silver 2008 Dodge Charger with Ohio license plate HJG 8546, is also believed to be involved in the abduction. The driver and the occupants of this vehicle are unknown.
- The Columbus Police Department, the Ohio State Highway Patrol, the FBI, and other law enforcement agencies are working together to locate Darnell Taylor and the suspect. They are using helicopters, dogs, and electronic billboards to aid the search.
Response and Reactions
- The Columbus Police Department issued a statement urging anyone with information about the whereabouts of Darnell Taylor or the suspect to call 911 or the Ohio Amber Alert hotline at 1-877-AMBER-OH.
- The Ohio Department of Job and Family Services, which oversees the foster care system, said it is cooperating with the investigation and providing support to the foster parent who reported the abduction.
- The public response has been one of shock and concern for the missing boy. Many people have shared the Amber Alert on social media and offered prayers and tips to the authorities.
- A candlelight vigil was held on Wednesday night at the Reeb Avenue Center, a community hub near where Darnell Taylor lived. Dozens of people attended the event to show their solidarity and hope for his safe return.
Conclusion
Darnell Taylor, a 5-year-old boy from Columbus, Ohio, remains missing after being abducted by his foster mother on Wednesday morning. An Amber Alert has been issued and the authorities are searching for him and the suspect. The public is asked to be vigilant and report any sightings or clues to the police. The case is still developing and more updates will be provided as they become available.
