UPDATE: Dec. 29 at 10:30 a.m.
A Mount Sterling father faces multiple charges after he allegedly took his 19-month-old child beyond court-ordered visitation hours and reportedly made concerning statements about the child's safety.
The Mt. Sterling Police Department reported that the incident started on Dec. 26 around 7 p.m. when officers received a welfare check call. The child was supposed to be taking medication for an illness and was in Driscoll's custody past visitation hours, according to police.
Officers immediately went to Driscoll's residence but found the home empty and his vehicle gone. Multiple attempts to contact Driscoll by phone were unsuccessful, police reported.
A witness reportedly told officers they saw Driscoll leaving the residence with the child late that afternoon.
An officer entered the vehicle and child into the National Crime Information Center, alerting agencies nationwide to watch for the vehicle. A search warrant of the home revealed Driscoll had recently shaved his head and left his phone at home before departing with the child, police reported.
The search ended Dec. 27 around 11:15 a.m. when Shelbyville Police officers responded to an elementary school for a welfare check on someone screaming concerning statements while lying under a flagpole. The responding officer contacted Driscoll and spotted his truck in the parking lot, according to the department.
When the officer ran the license plate, the system showed the vehicle had been entered into NCIC as being used to abduct a child. The toddler was found inside the vehicle and appeared unharmed but was taken to a children's hospital as a precautionary measure, police added.
Shelbyville Police charged Driscoll with abused or neglected child and endangering the welfare of a minor. Mount Sterling Police then transported him back to Montgomery County, where he faces additional charges of custodial interference, first-degree criminal abuse of a child 12 or under, and first-degree wanton endangerment.
UPDATE: Dec. 27 at 12:20 p.m.
The Mt. Sterling Police Department reports that the missing 19-month-old has been found safe and the father, 35-year-old Cory J. Driscoll, is in custody.
Police say more information will be released as it becomes available.
Original Story:
Mt. Sterling police are searching for a missing 19-month-old child who is believed to be in danger.
The Mt. Sterling Police Department is attempting to locate 35-year-old Cory J. Driscoll. His 19-month-old child is with him and police believe the child is in danger.
Driscoll was last seen driving a white 2011 extended-cab Chevrolet Silverado with Kentucky license plate N4C163. The truck has a black toolbox in the bed and damage above the rear back tire.
Police are working to get official alerts out but are asking the public to share this information immediately.
Anyone who sees this vehicle or has any information should contact Officer Williams or Sergeant Soister at 859-498-8720.
