Search Underway for Missing Woman in Alabama
Hoover, Alabama – A search is currently underway for a 25-year-old woman who went missing on Thursday night after she made a distress call to 911. Carlethia “Carlee” Nichole Russell reported to authorities that she had seen a toddler walking along the side of the interstate before losing contact with her family member.
According to the Hoover Police Department, Russell called 911 just after 9:30 p.m. on Thursday to inform them about the child she had spotted on Interstate 459. Shortly after the call, she contacted a family member but the line unexpectedly remained open and they lost contact with her.
Law enforcement officials discovered Russell’s abandoned car and some of her belongings in close proximity, but there was no sign of her or the toddler she had reported. Additionally, a witness reported seeing a gray vehicle with a light-complexioned male standing outside Carlee’s car, however, no further information about the individual or the vehicle has been provided at this time.
Russell, on her way home from work after picking up food, was described by her mother, Talitha Russell, as a helpful individual with a big heart. Talitha Russell expressed her concerns for her daughter’s well-being, noting that Carlee is aware not to stop for anyone, even a child on the side of the road. However, Carlee felt compelled to call 911 and aid the young child. “I think she kind of let her guard down thinking they were so close. And when she got out the car, she did tell my daughter-in-law, ‘I can’t just leave this little child on the side of the road,'” Talitha Russell said.
In response to the situation, a massive search effort involving local, state, and federal agencies is underway. In addition, a group of volunteers organized by Russell’s parents is assisting in the search. The community is urged to provide any information they may have about Carlethia “Carlee” Nichole Russell’s whereabouts or the gray vehicle and light-complexioned male reported near her abandoned car.
Updates on the search will be provided as more information becomes available.