Two children reported missing from Toney, Alabama, have been located safe in Cheyenne, Wyoming, according to the Decatur Police Department, WBRC News reports.
Cheyenne police discovered Lily Gray, 9, and Caden Gray, 5, at a motel with their mother, Leanna Varcoe, and stepfather, Zachery Varcoe.
Authorities confirmed that the children were unharmed and in good spirits when found.
“It’s always a good ending to the day when we’re able to do that,” said Cheyenne police officer Matthew Colson.
Following their discovery, the children were placed under the care of Wyoming Child Protective Services, which is now coordinating with the Morgan County Department of Human Resources to secure their transfer back to Alabama.
Leanna and Zachery Varcoe surrendered to authorities without incident and were taken into custody. They are currently being held in the Laramie County Jail, awaiting extradition to Morgan County, Alabama.
On January 24, Decatur police received a report of alleged child abuse from the Morgan County Department of Human Resources. As a result of the investigation, custody of Lily and Caden was granted to Leanna’s sister, who resides on Lacy Circle in Toney.
During a supervised visit on Monday, Leanna allegedly took the children without permission while their aunt was out of the house. Concern for the children’s safety led authorities to issue an Emergency Missing Child Alert.
Arrest warrants were issued for Leanna on interference of custody charges and for Zachery on child abuse charges. Authorities successfully tracked the family to Wyoming and coordinated with Cheyenne police to secure the children’s safe return.
Colson emphasized the importance of cooperation between law enforcement agencies.
“Our cooperation with Decatur and the outside agencies really shined today, bringing a successful end to a very dangerous situation for the two kids involved,” he said.
