A 10-month-old North Carolina girl who was the subject of an Amber Alert has been located safely after she was reportedly kidnapped by a family member and the family member’s partner.
The Charlotte-Mecklenburg Police Department (CMPD) issued the alert for Nalaya Crew after she was allegedly taken around 7 p.m. local time on Saturday, Nov. 15, in Charlotte.
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Authorities confirmed on Sunday, Nov. 16, that Nalaya was found unharmed and reunited with her mother.
According to police, the child was believed to be with a relative, 19-year-old Michelle Hemphill, and Hemphill’s boyfriend, 23-year-old Timothy Lee Smith Jr. Both have now been taken into custody.
Investigators said Nalaya’s family feared for the child’s safety because Hemphill was reportedly homeless and unable to properly care for her.
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Before the arrests, Hemphill was last seen entering a blue minivan, believed to be driven by Smith, near the 6600 block of Monroe Road in Charlotte.
Authorities are urging anyone with further information related to the incident to call 911 or contact the CMPD at 704-336-7600.
