Three-year-old Claire Bell found alive in Ontario after vanishing from Quebec. Search involved drones, public tips, and cross-province police efforts.
Missing Toddler Discovered Alive in Ontario
Three-year-old Claire Bell, reported missing from Quebec on Sunday, was found alive and well near St-Albert, Ontario, on Wednesday afternoon, ending a four-day search that gripped the nation. Quebec provincial police confirmed she was located around 2 p.m. by drone near Highway 417, about 150 kilometres west of Montreal.
Cross-Border Search Yields Joyful Outcome
Claire was found alone but appeared healthy, according to the Ontario Provincial Police (OPP), who brought her to a hospital for care. “This is why we are police,” said Sûreté du Québec (SQ) Capt. Benoît Richard during a press briefing. “Now we exhale as one, knowing she is safe,” added acting Staff Sgt. Shaun Cameron of the OPP.
Intensive Operation Spanned Days and Provinces
The search involved more than 200 officers, drones, helicopters, canine units, and volunteers. Investigators from both Quebec and Ontario worked in tandem, expanding their search as new leads emerged. Officers scoured fields, forests, and highways, with the operation intensifying in Ontario following reported sightings there.
Public Tips Were Crucial
Authorities emphasized the role of public engagement in locating the child. “Officers would not have located the little girl without critical information from the public,” Cameron said. Quebec Premier François Legault also praised the police and public in a post on X, calling the outcome a “relief and joy.”
Mother Arrested and Charged
Claire’s mother, Rachel-Ella Todd, 34, was arrested Monday and charged with child abandonment. She made a brief court appearance Wednesday and remains in custody, with another hearing scheduled for June 20. The SQ alleges Todd endangered her daughter’s life and health, an offense that carries a maximum sentence of five years in prison.
Timeline and Key Locations
Claire was last seen at her home in Montreal’s LaSalle borough Sunday morning. Her mother later reported her missing from a store in Coteau-du-Lac, about 50 kilometres away. Police traced their movements across southwestern Quebec and into Ontario. Evidence, including phone data and witness accounts, indicated a wider search area near the provincial border.
Social Media Posts Under Scrutiny
Investigators are also reviewing disturbing online activity. A video posted by Todd shortly before Claire’s disappearance showed her holding the child and making threatening remarks. The caption suggested desperation and distress, though authorities have not officially commented on the clip’s context.
Community Reels from Trauma, Grateful for Safe Return
While police continue investigating, the safe recovery of Claire Bell has brought a wave of relief. The case, still active, has prompted broader questions about mental health, child protection, and crisis response. “This is the best possible outcome,” said SQ spokesperson Éloïse Cossette. “She’s safe. That’s what matters most.”
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