[UPDATE] Missing child from Sylacauga found near Mississippi

SYLACAUGA, Ala. – The Sylacauga Police Department announced Malachi Quintanilla was recovered in Lee County, Miss. late Monday night.

According to the Sylacauga Police Department Facebook page, “Sylacauga Investigators Layton, Vinson and Lt. Willis Whatley worked tirelessly until he was recovered safely. SPD and the family of Malachi wants to thank everyone for information, thoughts and prayers concerning this extremely stressful incident. SPD also wants to thank the US Marshall’s Service and FBI for their assistance in bringing this to a close. SPD will be preparing a formal statement to be released.”

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Original story published 4/23/18

The Sylacauga Police Department is seeking the public’s help searching for a missing child last seen in Sylacauga Monday afternoon at the Autumn Trace Apartments.

SPD Chief Kelley Johnson told SylacaugaNews.com 5-year-old Malachi Quintanilla was possibly abducted by a white female when he got of the bus at the apartment complex Monday.

Malachi is a while male with brown hair and brown eyes. He is 4′ 3″ and weighs 50 lbs. He was last seen wearing blue jeans, a white and navy striped polo-style shirt and black shoes.

Johnson said the abduction is not believed to be a random act. He said the custodial parent explained to investigators the female may be related to the biological father and is believed to be heading towards New Orleans, La. where the father lives.

The female suspect is driving a grey car. A BOLO has been issued to surrounding agencies in the area and south of Sylacauga.

Investigators are on scene speaking with witnesses and family members. SylacaugaNews.com will continue to update this story as more details become available.