Florida grandma on the run after kidnapping a five-year-old boy as social workers tried to take him away from his family

Florida grandma on the run after kidnapping a five-year-old boy as social workers tried to take him away from his family

A 5-year-old boy is missing in Lake County, Florida, after his grandmother allegedly kidnapped him, prompting an Amber Alert Sunday afternoon, authorities said.

Jace Saunders, 5, was last seen at Summerall Park on Wells Avenue in Tavares around 1:20 p.m. Sunday, the Florida Department of Law Enforcement (FDLE) said.

Authorities are now looking for 50-year-old Kelly Day-Dasilva. She currently has an active arrest warrant for kidnapping and interference with custody. The couple may be traveling in a black Honda Accord.

The alleged kidnapping occurred after the boy’s parents – Taylor Judy and Brandon Saunders – were arrested on Sunday for child custody interference, Tavares police said.

“It is believed he was unlawfully abducted by his family during a DCF investigation,” authorities said. On Sunday, Department of Children and Families officials showed up at a home in Tavares to take custody of the 5-year-old, but he was nowhere to be found, Fox35 reported. Workers learned the child was with a family friend, Mitchell Morris. Although Morris was asked to return the boy, he turned him over to Day-Dasilva, the outlet reported.

An Amber Alert has been issued for Jace Saunders, 5, who is believed to have been kidnapped by his grandmother in Florida, police said

An Amber Alert has been issued for Jace Saunders, 5, who is believed to have been kidnapped by his grandmother in Florida, police said (Tavares Police Department)

According to authorities, the boy was last seen wearing a long-sleeved black shirt with multi-colored graphics and dark pajama pants. He is semi-verbal and has been diagnosed with autism.

“If you are located, DO NOT APPROACH. If you have any information, contact Tavares Police at 352-343-2101 or 911,” FDLE said.

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