Amber Alert Issued for Stolen Car with 5-Year-Old Girl Inside

Police search for missing child after vehicle was taken with her inside in St. Louis suburb

Mar. 30, 2026 at 7:18pm

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An extreme close-up photograph of a car key fob against a pitch-black background, capturing the textural details and metallic finish in a stark, gritty, investigative aesthetic.The recovery of the stolen vehicle provides limited clues as the search continues for the missing 5-year-old girl.Affton Today

A 5-year-old girl named Aleise Dawson is missing after she was left unattended in a running vehicle that was then stolen in Affton, Missouri. The vehicle has since been recovered, but the child remains missing. Police have issued an Amber Alert and are utilizing all available resources, including helicopter support, to locate the child.

Why it matters

Child abductions are extremely concerning incidents that require a swift and comprehensive law enforcement response to ensure the child's safety. This case highlights the risks of leaving young children unattended in vehicles, even briefly, and the potential for tragic outcomes when vehicles are stolen with a child inside.

The details

According to the St. Louis County Police Department, the 5-year-old girl was left unattended in a running vehicle by her guardian, who is believed to be a relative. When the guardian returned, the vehicle and child were gone. The vehicle was later recovered several blocks away, but the child, Aleise Dawson, remains missing. Police are unsure if the person who took the vehicle is known to the child and guardian or if this was a random incident, but they are treating it as an abduction.

  • The incident occurred around 8 a.m. local time on Monday, March 30, 2026.
  • An Amber Alert was issued shortly after the child went missing.

The players

Aleise Dawson

A 5-year-old girl who was left unattended in a running vehicle that was then stolen, prompting an Amber Alert.

St. Louis County Police Department

The law enforcement agency investigating the abduction and leading the search for the missing child.

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What they’re saying

“'There's a 5-year-old out there and no one knows where she is. So we are going to utilize every resource that we have available to our department,'”

— Vera Clay, St. Louis County Police Department spokesperson

What’s next

Police are continuing their search for Aleise Dawson and are urging anyone with information to contact them immediately.

The takeaway

This incident serves as a tragic reminder of the importance of never leaving young children unattended in vehicles, even for a brief period, as it can lead to devastating consequences. The swift law enforcement response and issuance of an Amber Alert highlight the seriousness with which authorities treat child abductions, but the ultimate priority is ensuring the safe return of the missing child.