WAYNESVILLE, N.C. (WNCN) — An Amber Alert issued late Monday night for two girls missing out of Haywood County in western North Carolina has been canceled.
North Carolina officials canceled the alert at around 11:20 a.m. Tuesday.
According to the North Carolina Center for Missing Persons, the Haywood County Sheriff’s Office was looking for 12-year-old Alazay Shelby Rose and three-year-old Kinley Maelena Stepp, who were believed to be with 46-year-old Jacob Grant Aaron Stepp.
The two girls were “taken” from 99 Ben Medford Rd. in Waynesville, the alert said.
The Haywood County Sheriff’s Office released a statement on social media, confirming both girls were safely located.
“The children were found unharmed, thanks to the swift and coordinated efforts of the Haywood County Sheriff’s Office, and the Cherokee Tribal Police Department, who assisted in locating one of the children,” the sheriff’s office said. “We are deeply grateful for their assistance and commitment to this situation.”
“We also extend our gratitude to the public, media, and partnering agencies, including Haywood County DSS, for their vigilance and support in sharing the Amber Alert,” the statement continued. “Your cooperation played a vital role in resolving this situation quickly and safely.”
The Haywood County Sheriff’s office said no further details will be released at this time as the investigation remains ongoing.
