ALTAMONTE SPRINGS, Fla. — A grandmother and her 4-year-old grandson, who were reported missing, have been found safe at a hotel off of Lee Road on Thursday, according to Altamonte Springs police. The two disappeared Tuesday from an apartment near Lake Brantley High School in Altamonte Springs.
Detectives had been out canvassing the area, knocking on doors and talking to people. When they went to hotel off Lee Road late Thursday afternoon, they found the little boy and his grandmother safe and sound.
Four-year-old Christian Longhurst and his 43-year-old grandmother Ramona McCoy Longhurst had disappeared for two days. No one knew where they were, and Christian's mother was scared.
"He's just so loving; a people person. I just want him back," said Brandy Steadman, the boy's mother, after reporting the pair missing.
Detectives had few clues. Longhurst had not used her cell phone or credit cards, and her car was left behind. Still, it was not a criminal investigation since Ramona was also Christian's legal guardian, even though his biological mother also lived in the home.
Then, late Thursday, the news the family had been waiting to hear.
"She has been found and the little boy has been found, so everyone is okay," said Caytlin Hill, the boy's aunt.
The grandmother told detectives she just needed time to think.
Neighbors we spoke with say they've heard arguing coming from the apartment.
"At first you think it's just neighbors or family arguing, but when it comes to the point where the grandmother just took the kid it's a little desperate," said a neighbor.
Police said the family had no prior criminal history and there was no record with the Department of Children and Families. However, they are now looking into the details of the missing person's report originally filed by Christian's mother.
For now though, the family is just relieved that they are safe.
"I'm just thrilled that they've been found, and hopefully we'll be able to get to the bottom of what actually happened here," said Hill.
Police are not revealing the name of the hotel, but WFTV was told the grandmother and child already left to another undisclosed location.
McCoy will not face any criminal charges since legally this child was under her care.
WFTV
