The Alabama police raised suspicion on Wednesday in the case of a woman who started an unusual investigation when she made a 911 call reporting a missing child who was seen walking alone on the highway for two days. Carlee Russell in the investigator told authorities that on Thursday, she was kidnapped and forcefully taken in a car, but they couldn’t verify her account, said the police.
On Saturday, the 25-year-old returned home, and there was intense debate about where she had been and what had happened to her.
On Wednesday, the Hoover Police Department held a press conference where they played the entire 911 call.
On July 13th night, the conversation between Russell and the 911 operator went like this:
Russell: “Hi. I am at Interstate 459, and there’s a child walking alone.”
911: “Stand still… Where are you… Where are you?”
Russell: “Um, I’m right by the exit, about to leave…”
911: “Alright, and before you leave?”
Russell: “Yes.”
911: “Okay, and are you heading south or north?”
Russell: “I’m heading towards 280, towards Tuscaloosa.”
911: “Alright, and the child was on the left or right side?”
Russell: “On the right side.”
911: “And were they walking north or south?”
Russell: “Oh, they were walking towards Tuscaloosa.”
911: “Okay, they were walking south… How old are they?”
Russell: “Um, like a little kid. Uh, maybe like 3 or 4, I guess.”
911: “Have you approached them or are you still in your car? Are you with the child now?”
Russell: “No, I’m not. I’m still in my car. But I can see them.”
911: “Do you have any concerns staying there until we get there?”
Russell: “Yes, yes, of course, yes.”
911: “Okay, and what type of car are you in?”
Russell: “I’m in a red Mercedes-Benz SUV.”
911: “You’re in a [car] not an SUV?”
Russell: “SUV. I mean, it’s a sedan, sorry.”
911: “Can you handle your own safety?”
Russell: “Yes, they’re fine.”
911: “Okay, have you spoken to the child or said anything to them?”
Russell: “No.”
911: “Do you think they’re injured?”
Russell: “No, they don’t seem to be.”
911: “Are they White, Black, Hispanic, or Asian?”
Russell: “They’re White.”
911: “Alright… Is it a boy or a girl?”
Russell: “I think it’s a boy… a little boy.”
911: “Okay… What is he wearing?”
Russell: “Oh, it’s a white t-shirt, and it looks like he’s not wearing any pants. Looks like he’s in a diaper.”
911: “And you haven’t seen any cars around?”
Russell: “No, there are no cars around.”
(Interruption)
911: “Alright, what’s your name?”
Russell: “My name is Carly Russell.”
911: “And where you are, you can’t see anyone with the child, right?”
Russell: “No, no, no, I can’t see anyone with him.”
911: “Alright, please try to keep an eye on him as much as you can because I don’t want you to lose track of him. An officer is on the way. Okay?”
Russell: “Alright, thank you.”
911: “Thank you.”
