In a heart-wrenching turn of events, a 9-month-old baby is currently missing after an alleged kidnapping incident that took place on Monday evening. The distraught mother, Bethany Smith, took to social media to share her harrowing ordeal and seek the public's assistance in locating her precious child.

UPDATE 7/11/23 8:45 AM:

Parrish Mayor Jared "Bubba" Cagle confirmed that missing 9-month-old baby Harlow Freeman was found safe and the Amber Alert has been canceled. Details are still limited, but ABC 33/44 said families were seen hugging and crying in relief. Another update is expected soon.

More details via ABC 33/40 below.

ORIGINAL STORY:

Late Monday night, Bethany's Facebook post quickly gained traction, amassing over 40,000 shares within a span of 10 hours. She revealed that her vehicle had been stolen with her baby inside. In her desperate plea, Bethany urged people to be on the lookout for a white 2009 Lexus RX 350 with noticeable damage to the back right side.

According to Bethany's post, the car theft occurred in downtown Parrish between 6:30 and 6:50 PM. She implored anyone with information to come forward and assured them that no questions would be asked if they could help bring her baby back safely. Bethany even shared her cellphone number, 205-522-1206, encouraging anyone with relevant details to contact her directly.

In a subsequent update, someone in the comments section suggested that Bethany download the Lexus Enform app and register her vehicle's VIN number. The app, equipped with GPS tracking, could potentially aid in locating the stolen car. Bethany has since made multiple pleas, expressing her willingness to meet with anyone who can provide information about her baby's whereabouts.

The Parrish Police Department swiftly responded to the incident, confirming that the child's disappearance was indeed the result of a kidnapping. They released an official statement along with a photograph of the missing baby, describing her as a white female weighing approximately 20 pounds.

"The Parrish Police Department is on the scene of a 9-month-old child that was kidnapped at approximately 6:50 PM from a residence on Crest Avenue in Parrish," the statement read. They also provided crucial details about the stolen vehicle, describing it as a white 2009 Lexus RX350 with the license plate number 3880AR8. The car's rear passenger side exhibited visible damage and appeared to be taped with clear tape.

Authorities are working tirelessly to locate the missing baby, but given the substantial time that has elapsed since the incident, the alleged suspect could potentially be located anywhere between the Louisiana-Texas border and the Carolinas, depending on their direction of travel.

As the search for the kidnapped infant intensifies, the community has rallied together, sending prayers and support to Bethany and her family.

The Parrish Police Department urges anyone with information about the abduction or the current whereabouts of the child to contact them at 205-686-9991 or to dial 911 in case of an emergency.

This is a developing story, and updates will be provided as additional information becomes available.

25 True Crime Locations: What Do They Look Like Today?

Below, find out where 25 of the most infamous crimes in history took place — and what the locations are used for today. (If they've been left standing.)

More From Gator 99.5