Missing 3-year-old girl found alive after wandering from rural NC home

SCOTLAND COUNTY, N.C. — A missing 3-year-old girl was found alive Thursday morning, according to the Scotland County Sheriff's Office.

An Amber Alert was issued late Wednesday for Allyson Nicole Oxendine after she vanished near Hunt Road in Laurel Hill, authorities said.

Allyson's father told police she was in their yard with him just before 5 p.m. when she wandered away.

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WPDE reported that deputies have not released any information about where Allyson was found, but did say she is alive and in good health.

"Allyson Oxendine has been located and is alive," officials said. "No other information will be released at this time."

According to a Facebook post by someone who identified herself as the girl's aunt, Wednesday was Allyson's birthday.

"Please pray," her post read. "It's raining and cool. She's tiny but fearless."

After Allyson was found, a family member posted a photo of the girl's dog, Bella, and said she was with her the whole time. Officials said helicopters, drones and police dogs were used in their search for Allyson.

Return to this story for updates.

Cox Media Group