MONONGALIA COUNTY, WV (LOOTPRESS) – A 9-year-old boy reported abducted Saturday afternoon has been found safe, and a suspect has been taken into custody after a FLOCK Safety camera helped authorities locate the vehicle involved, according to the Monongalia County Sheriff’s Office.
The sheriff’s office initially reported that Sean Blaney had taken his 9-year-old nephew, Jackson Blaney, for a walk before taking the child’s father’s silver 2019 Toyota Tacoma and leaving with the child. Authorities began working with West Virginia State Police to activate an Amber Alert.
In an update Saturday afternoon, the sheriff’s office said it received the child abduction report at approximately 12:50 p.m. Deputies and detectives immediately began searching for Jackson.
According to the sheriff’s office, the suspect vehicle was entered into the system and added to a hotlist in accordance with department policy. A FLOCK Safety camera then alerted authorities to a matching license plate in the area.
Deputies located the vehicle at Suncrest Towne Centre, confirmed it matched the description and approached the suspect.
Jackson was safely recovered unharmed, and the suspect was taken into custody without further incident, according to the sheriff’s office.
“Our highest priority in any call we receive will always be the safety and well-being of our children and citizens,” Monongalia County Sheriff Todd Forbes said. “Every second counts when a child is in danger, and our community can rest assured that our department will deploy every resource available to protect our youth and bring them home safely.”
The investigation remains active and ongoing. The sheriff’s office said additional information regarding criminal charges will be released as it becomes available.
