The grandmother of an Akron 1-year-old taken during a domestic dispute early Wednesday greeted reporters on the lawn in front of her daughter’s apartment complex about 7 a.m.
“We just want him to bring the baby home, that’s it,” the woman said during a brief interview with local television stations after an Amber Alert was issued for Darrius Heard Jr. A short time later, the toddler was found safe in Kenmore. Police said Darrius Heard Sr., 27, dropped off his son at his parents’ house and fled. Heard faces charges of aggravated burglary, kidnapping and domestic violence, police said.
It’s unclear what led up to Heard reportedly taking his son.
During the interview early Wednesday, the woman who identified herself as the missing boy’s grandmother said Heard and her daughter had argued at her daughter’s Callis Oval apartment just southwest of downtown Akron about 1 a.m. Heard left the apartment, but returned.
He is accused of kicking down the front door about 4:30 a.m., punching his son’s mother in the back of the head and taking the child.
Police said the elder Heard’s last known address was on Uhler Street in North Hill. He was last seen driving a silver Chevy Sonic with a Texas license plate. The car appears to be a rental, police said.
Anyone with information on Darrius Heard’s whereabouts is encouraged to call the Akron Police Department Detective Bureau at 330-375-2490; the U.S. Marshals Service at 1-866-4-WANTED; or the Summit County Crimestoppers Inc. at 330-434-COPS. You can also text TIPSCO with your tips to 274637 (Crimes). Callers can remain anonymous.