The Hoover Police Department announced $25,000 was being offered in the search for missing woman Carlethia “Carlee” Nichole Russell.
The 25-year-old was last heard from when she called 911 and reported seeing a toddler walking along Interstate 459 between the Galleria Boulevard exit and Exit 10 in Hoover. She then called a family friend who said they heard a scream and then nothing.
When officers arrived in the area, they found Russell’s abandoned vehicle and belongings but not Russell or a child.
An anonymous donor is offering $20,000 for Russell’s safe return, and Crime Stoppers of Metro Alabama is offering $5,000 for information leading to an arrest in the case.
Russell’s family believes she may have been abducted. She had just left work at The Summit and went by a business in the Colonnade to pick up food. She was on her way home when she made the 911 call.
Police found her cell phone on the scene and are analyzing it for more information. Hoover Police said multiple local, state and federal agencies were assisting with the case.
No one else reported seeing a toddler walking down the interstate.
The Alabama Law Enforcement Agency has been given information on the case but has not yet issued a missing persons alert.
Hoover PD said it would continue to update the public with new details on Twitter.
Russell’s family and friends gathered early Friday morning to assemble a search crew at the Hoover Met. They ask the public to check gas stations, hotels and rest stops for anything suspicious.
“Whoever abducted her may be in a Grey car,” her mother, Talitha Robinson-Russell, posted on Facebook. “Her wig and hat were found at the scene so her hair will be braided down to her scalp.”
Russell is around 5 feet 4 inches tall and weighs 150 to 160 pounds. She was last seen wearing a black shirt, black pants and white Nike shoes.
Police are asking anyone with information to call Detective Brad Fountain at (205) 444-7562.
To connect with the author of this story or to comment, email erica.thomas@1819news.com.
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