KERSHAW COUNTY, S.C. — The Kershaw County Sheriff's Office announced Wednesday morning that a missing 3-year-old boy was located safely after being taken from his home on Monday.
Deputies say Jasper Garcia was taken from the residence of his legal guardian on Monday, July 4, near Bethune.
The Chesterfield Sheriff's Office says Vanessa Weatherford, the child's biological mother, led deputies on a chase into North Carolina before being arrested.
According to officers, Weatherford allegedly took the boy without permission. Weatherford does not have legal custody of him.
The Kershaw County Sheriff's Office thanked the community for their help locating the child. “The safety of Jasper was our main concern throughout this investigation. We are happy he is now safe," Sheriff Lee Boan said Wednesday. "The consequences of his mother’s actions will be handled accordantly.”
Kershaw County officials say Weatherford was taken to jail and now faces charges in both Kershaw and Chesterfield counties.