9-year-old boy reported missing in New Bern found safe; mother arrested, police say

NEW BERN, N.C. (WNCN) — After police issued an Amber Alert for a little boy in Craven County, he was found safe.

According to the New Bern Police Department, early Saturday morning, 9-year-old Austin Ross was reported missing after being last seen in New Bern. The police said Ross is autistic and has ADHD, requiring medication.

As of 10 a.m., officers said in a social media post that Ross was found in the Craven County town.

“9-year-old Austin Ross has been located safely and his mother has been taken into custody,” the post said. “The two were spotted walking along Neuse Boulevard.”

His mother, 45-year-old Amber Vest, was last seen with Ross, police said.

Vest was later charged with abduction of children and misdemeanor child abuse, according to court records.

The investigation into the report is ongoing.

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