An Atlanta mother has been taken into custody after allegedly abducting her two children from their court-ordered guardian.
Mother Arrested for Alleged Kidnapping
Authorities asked for the public’s help when Bernice Keys reportedly kidnapped her children, 8-year-old Tyshawn Keys and 9-year-old Samyiah Keys, in the early hours of Saturday, May 23, according to NBC affiliate 11 Alive.
Police said Bernice, 33, was last seen driving away with the children in a dark gray Jeep SUV on the 400 block of Carey Drive in southeast Atlanta. CBS affiliate WTOC-TV and ABC affiliate WSB-TV confirmed these details.
Levi’s Call Activated
To quickly locate the missing children, police activated Levi’s Call, Georgia’s public alert system for missing children. Authorities said at the time that the kids were believed to be in extreme danger, ABC affiliate WJCL reported.
Children Found Safe in Louisiana
Hours later, the children were located in Louisiana around 9:14 a.m. local time, according to WSB-TV. Police confirmed that both Tyshawn and Samyiah were safe and in good health.
Arrests Made With FBI Assistance
The Atlanta Police Department told PEOPLE that Bernice and an associate, Jasper Fluker, were arrested in Louisiana with the help of the FBI and the St. Tammany Parish Sheriff’s Office.
Bernice Keys has been charged with two counts of kidnapping–domestic violence and two counts of interference with custody. Fluker faces charges of kidnapping and interference with custody. Both are currently awaiting extradition back to Atlanta.
Community Reaction and Safety Reminders
Incidents like this highlight the importance of swift public alerts and cooperation between agencies to protect children. Levi’s Call played a crucial role in ensuring the safety of Tyshawn and Samyiah, showing how timely action can prevent tragedy.
