A tense situation unfolded in Florence, South Carolina, when 1-year-old Dylan Saige Cooper was abducted on January 2, 2025, sparking immediate action from law enforcement agencies.
According to the South Carolina Law Enforcement Division (SLED), the panic began around 6 p.m. on January 2, when the child's mother reported the child missing after shopping with Macie Deeanna Eaddy, 32. Initially, the mother allowed Eaddy to take her daughter to the car. Eaddy, who was described as being 5'5" tall, weighing approximately 140 pounds, with brown hair and brown eyes, vanished with the child.
The abduction prompted the issuance of an Amber Alert by the Florence Police Department. Eaddy was last seen wearing army green pants, a black sweatshirt, and pink shoes, reportedly fleeing the scene in the mother's 2012 white Mitsubishi Lancer.
The Amber Alert, reflecting the urgency of the situation, not only detailed descriptions of the child and the suspect but also included the vehicle's license plate number, XWR0804H. This alert is part of South Carolina's protocol, activated at midnight after late-night communication between local police and the state law enforcement agency.
Authorities received information about the abduction as early as 8:55 p.m., the mother having realized her child was missing and immediately contacting Florence police. Surveillance footage confirmed Eaddy leaving the shopping location with Cooper, heightening the concern for the child’s safety.
The situation escalated when community members began to participate actively. Around 6:50 a.m. on January 3, Eaddy's vehicle was spotted, and she was apprehended by deputies on Highway 15 South. Shortly before her arrest, the child was found abandoned outside a residence on Cale Yarborough Highway, still restrained in her safety seat.
Temperatures during the night dipped to about 33 degrees, raising fears for the child’s wellbeing. Fortunately, authorities reported the child was unharmed and was taken to McLeod Regional Medical Center for evaluation. When found, Dylan had been outside for several hours, but she remained healthy, showcasing the resilience of the 1-year-old.
After Eaddy was arrested, she was charged with kidnapping, grand larceny, and driving under suspension. Reports indicate Eaddy had outstanding warrants from Florence County and was found to be driving without legal permission. She was also allegedly in possession of methamphetamine, which adds another layer to her criminal activities.
Florence police have noted they do not believe the homeowners where Dylan was found had any connection to the abduction. These residents became involuntary participants in the story when they heard the car horn multiple times and discovered the baby outside.
According to Sheriff Dennis, who praised the swift actions of Sumter County deputies, the responsibility of community involvement cannot be overstated. Their prompt response led to the quick recovery of the child, demonstrating how vigilance among the public can aid law enforcement efforts.
The Amber Alert system, initiated to rapidly disseminate information about abducted children, proved effective yet again during this distressing incident. This system is named after Amber Hagerman, who was tragically abducted and murdered back in 1996; her case led to the creation of this proactive alert mechanism.
Authorities continue to encourage community members to remain vigilant and report any suspicious activity. The collaboration between citizens and law enforcement is often hailed as pivotal for the safety of vulnerable populations, especially children.
The case exemplifies the risks present when trust is misplaced, as seen when the mother thought she was merely allowing her friend to assist with her child. Unfortunately, Eaddy’s actions not only endangered Dylan but disrupted the peace of the community.
Now, as the investigation continues, Eaddy faces serious multiple charges and the repercussions of her actions. This heartbreaking scenario serves as both a cautionary tale for parents and a reminder of the effectiveness of community involvement and emergency response systems.