Ohatchee, AL – Ohatchee Police Chief Alan Kelly released the following statement regarding the kidnapping and domestic case that initially was released due to the Amber Alert that went out regarding three missing children.
“I would like to start this release with my sincerest thanks and gratitude to all the agencies who assisted with the
apprehension of a violent suspect and safe recovery of three children who were abducted by a noncustodial parent.On May 9, 2023, at Approximately 5:30 PM Officers from the Ohatchee Police Department were met by a female who reported she was a victim of a violent attack from a person whom she is in a relationship with. She had serious visible facial injuries and head trauma. She further reported she was attacked at a residence on Boiling Springs Road. The victim further stated she had been held against her will and forced with her children into a vehicle and abducted along with her three children. She stated the suspect was Stephen Pruitt and he held her and the children against their will. The victim further stated the suspect forced her out of the vehicle on Mudd Street in Talladega County. The victim was attended to by medics and referred to report the incident to the Ohatchee Police Department. Due to the nature of the call multiple agencies were called or offered their assistance after hearing the call go out on the radio. During this process Law Enforcement from Multiple Agencies were following up on leads to apprehend the suspect in Calhoun and Talladega Counties. The Amber Alert was issued, and the suspect was apprehended, and the children were found safe within ten minutes of the Amber Alert being issued. This was due to the influx of law enforcement agencies working together and canvassing the two-county area and following up on every lead available. The three children were located and safe.
The suspect was arrested and transported to the Calhoun County Jail and is being held with no bond under Aniah’s Law. He is
charged with Kidnapping Ist Degree (X4) No Bond, Domestic Violence 1st No Bond, Bond Revocation {trafficking Methamphetamines} No Bond. As always, all suspects are innocent until proven guilty.Thank You Sheriff Matthew Wade and the Calhoun County Sheriffs Office Administrative Staff, Investigative Staff, and Deputies, Alabama Law Enforcement Agency, Calhoun County 911, FBI, Fusion Center, Calhoun County EMA, Calhoun County Major Crimes Unit, Oxford Police Chief Bill Partridge, Jacksonville Police Chief Marcus Wood, Glencoe Police Chief Kenon McKenzie, Calhoun County District Attorney Brian McVeigh, Calhoun County District Attorney’s Office, Judge Weems, and Judge Turner. Your dedication, support, and cooperation were instrumental to locating the three
children safely and the apprehension of the suspect. Thank You for all you do!
