News Summary
In Florence, South Carolina, 1-year-old Dylan Cooper was found safe after being abducted while shopping with his mother. The distressing incident led to a swift Amber Alert, allowing authorities to act quickly. The child was discovered unharmed after being abandoned outdoors, prompting relief from the community as investigations into the circumstances surrounding the abduction continue.
Florence, S.C. — A Closer Look at the Abduction and Safe Return of 1-Year-Old Dylan Cooper
It’s been a whirlwind of events in Florence, South Carolina, where the community breathed a sigh of relief after 1-year-old Dylan Cooper was found safe following an alarming abduction incident. The situation unfolded early Friday morning and had everyone on the edge of their seats.
The Start of a Scary Situation
On Friday, around 6:50 a.m., a witness came across little Dylan abandoned outdoors on Cale Yarborough Highway in Timmonsville. It’s reported that the young boy had been left outside for an unknown amount of time, causing immense concern among residents who quickly understood the seriousness of the situation. Thankfully, he was found unharmed.
From Shopping to a Sudden Disappearance
The distressing turn of events began the night before when Dylan was last seen at a Roses department store on South Irby Street in Florence. Initially, everything seemed normal as Dylan was shopping with his mother, Lindsey Britt, and a family friend, Macie Eaddy. Britt, trusting Eaddy to watch her child for a bit, stepped out of the store only to find that Eaddy had disappeared with Dylan.
This shocking twist triggered the South Carolina Law Enforcement Division (SLED) to activate an Amber Alert shortly before 6 a.m. on Friday. The urgency was palpable, and authorities began their search for the little one, fearing the worst.
Rapid Response and Arrest
Just an hour or so later, after an intensive search, Eaddy was arrested at approximately 7 a.m. on Friday. Investigators believed that she was driving a white 2012 Mitsubishi Lancer with a temporary South Carolina license plate. The quick response from law enforcement was crucial, showing how important it is to take swift action in such urgent matters.
Details from the Scene
Video footage confirmed that Eaddy and Dylan had left the Roses store together, leading investigators to wonder what motivated the abduction. Eyewitness reports indicate that the child was dropped off at the residence where he was found sometime between 8 p.m. Thursday evening and early Friday morning. Interestingly, a resident near the area heard a car horn multiple times shortly before witnessing a vehicle leaving the driveway.
What Happens Next?
Currently, Eaddy is held at the Sumter County Detention Center, facing a slew of charges. These include driving under suspension, possession of unauthorized drugs, and a fugitive hold from out of state. The City of Florence has also filed arrest warrants related specifically to the abduction. Chillingly, it was noted that Dylan was left outside in near-freezing temperatures, raising considerable concern from parents and community members alike.
A Safe Return
On a more positive note, while Dylan was taken to McLeod Hospital for evaluation, early reports suggest he appears to be in good health. The entire community is likely grateful to hear that he was found safe. Friends and family have expressed their relief, even as they voice worries about what might have happened if he had wandered off towards traffic. They are hopeful for further updates regarding the circumstances of the abduction.
Keeping Everyone Informed
Authorities are continuing their investigation, including verifying Eaddy’s claim that she dropped Dylan off with a friend. As the community rallies around little Dylan and his mother, more information on further charges against Eaddy and the outcome of this alarming situation is expected to emerge in the days ahead.
Florence residents are certainly feeling a mix of emotions, from relief to lingering worry, but one thing is crystal clear: the safety of children remains a top priority for everyone involved.
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Additional Resources
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.
