Carlee Russell called 911 on July 13, 2023, to report a toddler walking along the interstate. She told the dispatcher that she had pulled over to help the child, but when she got out of her car, a man grabbed her and forced her into his car. She said the man drove her to an unknown location and then released her.
The Hoover Police Department released the full 911 call on July 19, 2023. In the call, Carlee sounds shaken and scared. She tells the dispatcher that she is on I-65 near Exit 280 and that she saw a toddler walking alone on the shoulder of the road. She says she pulled over to help the child, but when she got out of her car, a man grabbed her and forced her into his car. She says the man drove her to an unknown location and then released her.
The police have been unable to verify Carlee’s story. They have not found any evidence of a toddler walking on the interstate or of a man abducting Carlee. They have also not been able to find any witnesses who can corroborate Carlee’s story.
The police are still investigating Carlee’s disappearance. They have not ruled out the possibility that she was abducted, but they are also considering other possibilities, such as that she may have gotten lost or that she may have made up the story.
The full 911 call can be heard here: https://www.fox5atlanta.com/video/1251159
The police press conference can be watched here: https://www.fox5atlanta.com/video/1251164