A statewide Amber Alert has been issued in Ohio as authorities search for 5-year-old Darnell Taylor, who reportedly vanished overnight alongside foster mom Pammy Maye.

ABC News reported that police fear young Darnell may be in danger following statements made by Maye before the 48-year-old woman allegedly disappeared with the boy. Columbus police are pleading for any leads that could help locate Taylor and Maye after the pair went missing overnight under alarming circumstances.

During a press conference, Columbus Deputy Police Chief Smith Weir said Maye’s husband called 911 around 3 AM on Wednesday morning. The husband told officers, “She woke him up and made statements that made him believe their foster child, Darnell Taylor, had been hurt or was in danger.” While police did not disclose everything Maye said, the husband told officials Maye fled in the family’s grey 2015 Jeep Cherokee. Officers searched the home minutes after the phone call but found no trace of Taylor. Police located the empty Jeep abandoned in Brooklyn, Ohio, about two hours from the residence.

An Amber Alert swiftly followed at 5 AM as authorities checked the addresses of known family members and friends to no avail. “We have no idea what we are dealing with right now; that’s why we’re asking for the public’s assistance,” said Police Chief Elaine Bryant during an emotional plea Wednesday. “Any information you can give us, we’d greatly appreciate it.”

The missing woman has been described as 4-foot-9, approximately 115 pounds, with long brown hair. She was last seen wearing a green floral nightgown with pink shoes. As for the young boy, he may be dressed in Spiderman pajamas and white boots.

Maye’s husband is cooperating with police as they comb the premises for evidence. The couple has fostered Taylor since May 2023. Authorities are working to reach out to the boy’s biological parents.

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