An Antioch toddler who became the subject of an Endangered Child Alert has been found safe in Florida, while his mother is now behind bars, authorities said. The Tennessee Bureau of Investigation confirmed that 3-year-old Zy’Aire Wiley was located after his biological mother allegedly kidnapped him after a dispute with his grandmother.
An #EndangeredChild Alert has been issued for a 3 y/o missing out of Metro Nashville.
— Tennessee Bureau of Investigation (@TBInvestigation) May 1, 2024
Zy’Aire Wiley was last seen May 1 in Antioch, wearing a blue colored shirt, khaki pants, blue Crocs.
He is believed to be with his non-custodial mother, Alandris Griffin. pic.twitter.com/nYAHvamEk7
The incident, which led to the youngster's disappearance, occurred early Wednesday morning when 35-year-old Alandris Griffin is accused of taking the boy from a residence on Seasons Drive amid a custody disagreement, FOX 17 reported. Taken to an area hospital with non-life-threatening injuries, video footage showed the grandmother being dragged down the street after attempting to stop the vehicle driven by Griffin.
According to WKRN, the altercation that preceded the abduction left the grandmother thrown from the car, with two homes on Seasons Drive subsequently wrapped in crime scene tape. Police had been on the lookout for Griffin, who was wanted on charges of custodial interference.
The search ended nearly 12 hours later when it was announced that the child had been found safe with Griffin under arrest in Florida. "Shortly before 4:15 p.m., the TBI announced Zy’Arye was found safe in Florida," WKRN added, detailing the conclusion of a harrowing day for Zy’Aire's family. Unable to contain their relief, family members confirmed that the grandmother was hospitalized recovering and she didn't want any visitors at the time.
Specific details surrounding the capture and charges pending against Griffin were not immediately released, but WSMV confirms that the TBI is handling the ongoing investigation. The Antioch community, holding its breath until the boy's safe return was confirmed, now exhales with the resolution of a tense situation that began with a domestic dispute and ended across state lines.
