Quebec police continue searching for 3-year-old Claire Bell, missing since Sunday. Public urged to report sightings of grey Ford Escape with child sticker.
Missing Child Case Shakes Quebec
Three-year-old Claire Bell has been missing since Sunday, prompting a large-scale search effort across southwestern Quebec. The Sûreté du Québec (SQ) is urgently asking for the public’s help in locating the toddler or any clues that could aid in the investigation.
Last Known Location and Timeline
Claire was last seen around 9:45 a.m. on June 8 at her home in LaSalle, a borough of Montreal. Her mother reported her missing nearly five hours later in Coteau-du-Lac, approximately 50 kilometres west, after entering a business on Chemin St-Emmanuel in a state of panic. The woman allegedly told store staff she couldn’t remember what had happened, prompting a 911 call.
Vehicle of Interest Identified
Authorities are focusing their efforts on locating a grey 2007 Ford Escape, with Quebec license plate K50 FVE and a “Baby on Board” sticker on the top right of its rear windshield. The SQ urges anyone who saw the vehicle between 9:45 a.m. and 3 p.m. Sunday in the LaSalle or Coteau-du-Lac areas to come forward.
Dog Found, Connection to Claire Possible
On Monday evening around 5:30 p.m., a brown Chihuahua—believed to have been with Claire when she disappeared—was found dead near Highway 30 in Vaudreuil-Dorion. Police are working to confirm whether the animal is indeed the same dog.
Child’s Description and Ongoing Search Efforts
Claire Bell is three feet tall, weighs 35 pounds, and has brown eyes and hair. At the time of her disappearance, she was wearing grey pants and a long-sleeved shirt with pink trim, and is believed to be barefoot.
Specialized SQ units have been conducting round-the-clock searches, deploying helicopters, drones, and K-9 teams. A command post has been established in Coteau-du-Lac, while additional searches are underway near the Ontario border.
Investigation Launched, No Amber Alert
The SQ has initiated two parallel investigations: one into Claire’s disappearance and another focused on reconstructing the timeline. Despite the urgency, an Amber Alert has not been issued. According to SQ spokesperson Jean-Raphaël Drolet, the situation, while deeply concerning, does not currently meet the legal criteria for an alert.
“There needs to be reasonable grounds to believe there’s been a kidnapping and that it poses an immediate threat to the child’s life,” Drolet stated. “At this point, we don’t have that evidence.”
Public Asked to Assist
Residents of LaSalle, Coteau-du-Lac, and surrounding communities are urged to check their properties and report anything unusual. Tips can be shared by calling 911 or the SQ’s confidential line at 1-800-659-4264.
The SQ remains committed to locating Claire and is asking for continued vigilance and cooperation from the public.
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