Amber Alert Charlotte NC Today: 10-Month-Old Found Safe After Emergency Alert, Two Suspects Arrested

A 10-month-old baby girl reported missing in Charlotte has been found safe, according to the Charlotte-Mecklenburg Police Department (CMPD). The Amber Alert, issued early Sunday morning across North Carolina, has now been canceled following the safe recovery of the child.

Authorities confirmed that the infant, identified as Nalaya Crew, was located unharmed, and two suspects — Michelle Hemphill, 19, and her boyfriend Timothy Lee Smith Jr., 23 — were taken into custody. Police have not yet disclosed the specific charges against them.

Charlotte Amber Alert Details and Timeline

The Amber Alert was activated after Nalaya Crew was reported missing around 7:01 p.m. Saturday. According to CMPD, the child was taken by Hemphill, described as a distant family member, and Smith. Officials said the family believed Nalaya was in danger, citing Hemphill’s unstable living situation and lack of resources to care for the infant.

Authorities reported that Hemphill was last seen entering a blue minivan, allegedly driven by Smith, near the 6600 block of Monroe Road in southeast Charlotte. The alert spread rapidly across state channels and local media, urging residents to remain vigilant.

Police released physical descriptions of the suspects, noting Hemphill is approximately 5 feet 6 inches tall, weighing 160 pounds, with black hair and brown eyes. Smith is 5 feet 4 inches tall, also weighing 160 pounds, with black hair and brown eyes.

The Charlotte-Mecklenburg Police Department coordinated with state authorities and issued a statewide emergency notification urging anyone with information to contact 911 immediately. The coordinated response led to the successful recovery of the child within hours of the alert’s release.

Community Response and Law Enforcement Update

Local media outlets and emergency alert systems in Charlotte quickly shared details of the Amber Alert, prompting widespread awareness across Mecklenburg County. Social media posts under “#CharlotteAmberAlert” and “#NalayaCrew” circulated rapidly as residents shared information to help locate the missing child.

By Sunday morning, CMPD confirmed Nalaya had been found safe. “The child is safe and in good health,” police said in a statement, thanking the public and local news stations for their assistance. The department has not yet revealed where the suspects were located or how officers tracked them down.

Law enforcement emphasized that timely reporting by family members and rapid community engagement were critical to resolving the case safely. CMPD has also stated that additional information about potential charges and the ongoing investigation will be released later.

This successful outcome highlights the importance of the Amber Alert system and community cooperation during child abduction emergencies in North Carolina.

FYI (keeping you in the loop)-

Q1: What happened in the Charlotte Amber Alert today?

A 10-month-old baby named Nalaya Crew was abducted by a distant relative and her boyfriend but has since been found safe. Two suspects are in custody.

Q2: Who were the suspects in the Charlotte Amber Alert case?

Police identified 19-year-old Michelle Hemphill and 23-year-old Timothy Lee Smith Jr. as the suspects. Both were arrested Sunday morning.

Q3: Where was the Amber Alert issued in North Carolina?

The alert was issued statewide after the child was taken from southeast Charlotte near Monroe Road, according to CMPD.

Q4: How did police locate the missing child?

Authorities have not revealed the exact location or details of how Nalaya was found but confirmed she was safe and unharmed.

Q5: What should residents do when an Amber Alert is issued?

Residents should stay alert, monitor official updates, and immediately report any sightings or information to 911 or local law enforcement.