News Summary
An Amber Alert in Florence County was joyfully canceled after a one-year-old girl named Dylan Cooper was found safe and sound. The girl had been reported missing after her mother left her with an acquaintance, who fled with the child. Thankfully, a witness discovered her abandoned but unharmed. The suspect was quickly apprehended, facing numerous serious charges, while the community breathes a sigh of relief over the child’s safe return.
Amber Alert Ends Happily as Little Girl is Found Safe in Florence County
Florence County woke up to a whirlwind of emotions early Friday morning when a heartwarming story unfolded after the discovery of a 1-year-old girl who had been reported missing. The little girl, named Dylan Cooper, was found safe, bringing a sense of relief to the community as the details of her abduction surfaced.
How It All Started
The drama began around 6:50 a.m. when a kind-hearted witness stumbled upon Dylan abandoned outside a home on Cale Yarborough Highway in Timmonsville. Reports say that the child was left in a child restraint, exposed to the chilly temperatures overnight, and thankfully, she was found before anything serious happened to her.
The situation began on the evening of January 2, when Dylan’s mother, Lindsey Britt, was shopping at a Roses store. She was with a 32-year-old acquaintance named Macie Eaddy, who offered to wait outside with the little one while Britt completed her shopping. However, things took a turn when Eaddy fled the scene with the baby instead!
A Community Reacts
The early morning discovery led to the activation of an Amber Alert by the South Carolina Law Enforcement Division (SLED) shortly after 6 a.m. on Friday. For a community that cares deeply for its children, the news prompted alarm bells to go off, leading many to hope for Dylan’s safe return.
The Quick Arrest
Authorities were quick to act, and Eaddy was identified as the primary suspect. She was apprehended just an hour later around 7 a.m., after being spotted driving a white 2012 Mitsubishi Lancer with a temporary South Carolina license plate. Investigators pieced together that Eaddy dropped off little Dylan at a nearby residence around 8:30 p.m. on the day of the shopping trip, which only deepened the mystery surrounding her actions.
It was noted that the homeowner who found Dylan reported hearing a car horn and seeing a vehicle leaving the driveway as she came across the abandoned child. Thankfully, upon finding Dylan, the homeowner, Tonya Dennis, quickly provided care for the little girl, who appeared to be in good health but quite hungry after her ordeal. Dennis fed Dylan milk and crackers, ensuring that she was comforted.
Serious Charges Looming
Meanwhile, Eaddy is facing numerous serious charges, including kidnapping, driving under suspension, possession of less than one gram of meth or cocaine, and a fugitive hold from another state. Authorities believe additional charges may arise as the Florence Police Department and the Florence County Sheriff’s Office continue their investigation.
What’s more concerning is that authorities confirmed Eaddy had outstanding warrants at the time of her arrest, raising questions about her intentions and past behavior.
Community Concern
With the harrowing experience fresh in the minds of the community, friends of Dylan’s mother expressed their concerns regarding the safety of children around acquaintances. This incident has sparked a valuable conversation about being cautious with whom parents allow their children to be around, especially in sometimes unpredictable situations.
A Happy Ending
In a swift turn of events, the Amber Alert was officially canceled just before 7:30 a.m. once little Dylan was confirmed safe and sound. It’s a bittersweet reminder of the challenges some families face, but for the moment, the focus is on the joy of her safe return and the overwhelming relief that followed.
As the community gathers its breaths and comes to terms with the events that transpired, many are left thinking about the importance of vigilance when it comes to child safety. It is a reminder for all to cherish and protect the littlest members of our families, ensuring they are safe and sound.
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
HERE Resources
Missing Toddler Found Safe in Timmonsville, SC
Additional Resources
- Live 5 News
- Wikipedia: Amber Alert
- WACH News
- Google Search: Amber Alert Florence
- WPDE News
- Google Scholar: Amber Alert South Carolina
- WMBF News
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Amber Alert
- Fox Carolina
- Google News: Amber Alert 2025
Author: STAFF HERE FLORENCE WRITER
FLORENCE STAFF WRITER The FLORENCE STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HEREFlorence.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Florence, Florence County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as the Florence Festival of Lights, Pee Dee Pride, and agricultural expos at the Florence Center. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Florence Regional Chamber of Commerce and the Pee Dee Area Council of Governments, plus leading businesses in healthcare and retail that power the local economy such as McLeod Health and Pee Dee Electric Cooperative. As part of the broader HERE network, including HERECharleston.com, HEREColumbia.com, HEREGreenville.com, and HEREHiltonHead.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into South Carolina's dynamic landscape.
