Several officials are still seeking a 2-year-old girl who was kidnapped in Lansing, Michigan. According to Macomb Daily, the girl’s mother was assaulted by the alleged kidnapper, who was apprehended on Monday morning. Wynter Cole Smith, the toddler, was abducted by Rashad Maleek Trice, 28, on Sunday, Lansing officials say.
According to a police statement,
“We are working with members of the victim’s family and are very thankful for the public’s assistance in providing us with tips to help find Wynter… In any case like this, we need everyone to be moving in the same direction, particularly the family, the community, and law enforcement. As a reminder, anyone who is found assisting the suspect in an effort to hide the victim will be subject to potential criminal charges.”
Officials arrived at the 3000 block of Beaujardin Drive after responding to a report. When they arrived, they discovered a 22-year-old woman who was stabbed multiple times. The woman was taken to the hospital where she was treated. The unnamed woman informed officials that Trice is her former boyfriend and the father of her child, the outlet reported. She added that he attacked her; however, when she defended herself and wounded him, he grabbed Wynter and left his child. According to the Lansing State Journal, Wynter is not his daughter. He and the toddler were last seen driving a 2013 white Chevrolet Impala.
Detroit officials say that Trice was seen driving the same vehicle around Detroit on Monday between 1-5 a.m. St. Clair Shores officials say that a cop recognized the car and attempted to stop it; however, the car fled at 100 mph. Nearly 10-15 minutes into the chase, the suspect slammed into a patrol car, which ceased the chase. Despite Trice resisting, he was hit with a Taser and taken into custody.
The FBI is helping the Lansing police department find the toddler. According to a spokesperson,
“We will continue to do so until Wynter is found.”