An Amber Alert that had residents on edge was thankfully canceled early Sunday morning after a 9-year-old girl, abducted overnight from Salem, South Carolina, was found safe.
The Oconee County Sheriff’s Office reported that the girl was taken from Poplar Drive around 12:28 a.m. by her 28-year-old uncle, Zackery Cosgrove. He fled the scene in a stolen 2019 black Nissan Rogue with North Carolina plates reading RHZ8259. The vehicle reportedly had red clay all over it, which matched the roads in the area. Authorities believed he was heading north on Highway 11, leaving Oconee County.
Cosgrove, described as 5’10”, 210 pounds, with brown hair and blue eyes, took off in the vehicle, sparking a multi-county search. The situation unfolded overnight, leaving many in the community worried for the girl’s safety.
Around 6 a.m., deputies shared the good news: the child had been found safe in Edgefield County, Georgia, roughly two hours away from where she was taken. The relief was immense, and the quick recovery highlighted the importance of the alert system.
Cosgrove was taken into custody and brought back to Oconee County, where he was booked into the detention center. He now faces serious charges, including grand larceny (for stealing the car, valued at over $10,000) and kidnapping. During his initial hearing, his bond was denied, keeping him behind bars as the investigation continues.
This case is a reminder of how quickly authorities and the community can act to protect those in danger. Thanks to their efforts, the little girl is safe, and the suspect is now in custody.
