Update: Police said the missing boy has been found dead and the foster mother has been taken into custody. Click here for the latest information.
COLUMBUS, Ohio — A statewide Amber Alert was issued for Darnell Taylor, 5, who is missing from Columbus, officials said.
Darnell is Black, with brown eyes and black hair and may have been wearing Spiderman pajamas and white boots.
"We believe this child is in danger and are asking the public for help," said Police Chief Elaine Bryant during a press conference following the vehicle being located in Brooklyn, Ohio but Maye and Darnell have not been located.
Police said K-9 units, federal partners and officers are on scene searching the area where the car had been located.
Columbus Police are asking the community, especially those living in the 43207 zip code, to search their property for out of place or missing items. They are also asking this of Brooklyn residents, the location where the vehicle was located. They are asking that if anything is found, community members contact the non-emergency line at 614-645-4545 or the tip line at 614-645-2228.
Officers responded to the 900 block of Reeb Avenue after a caller said his wife, Pammy Maye, 48, made statements leading him to believe Darnell, their foster child, had been hurt.
Police did not explain what the statements made were as the investigation continues.
Darnell had been fostered by Maye and her husband since May 2023, according to police. His biological parents have been identified by officials and were being contacted.
Police were on scene at 3:08 a.m. when a report was taken and the search for Darnell began.
Maye was last seen wearing a green floral nightgown with pink shoes, police said. Maye is a 4'9" Black woman driving a gray 2015 Jeep Cherokee, with an Ohio license plate number of JIG-GZII.
"Anyone with with any information we are asking to call 911 or our tipline at 614-645-228," Bryant said. "For anonymous tips call 614-461-8477."
If you see the child or suspect you can also call 1-877-AMBER-OH (1-877-262-3764).
This is a developing story. Check back for updates.
