A search is underway for a woman missing after she told family she was stopping to check on a child she was walking on the side of Interstate 459 in Hoover.

Hoover 911 at 9:34 p.m. Thursday received a call from 25-year-old Carlethia Nichole “Carlee” Russell, said Lt. Daniel Lowe.

Russell told the dispatcher that she was near mile marker 11 when she saw a toddler alone and walking on the side of I-459. That location is between the flyover to the Galleria and Highway 150. 

After calling 911, Russell stopped to check on the child and called a family member to report the same details, Lowe said. The family member lost contact with her, but the line remained open.

Officers who were already en route to the location of the initial 911 call located the female’s vehicle and some of her belongings nearby but were unable to find her or a child in the area. 

Hoover police have not received any other calls of someone missing a small child.

Family members posted on Facebook that Russell was driving a red Mercedes. They said her phone, Apple Watch and purse were still inside her vehicle.

Lowe said Hoover police are investigating.

Family posted on Facebook that they believe Russell was abducted.

“The investigation is still in the early stages,” Lowe said, “but we are considering every possibility.”

Russell is a Black female, 5-feet, 4-inches tall and weighs between 150 and 160 pounds. She was last seen wearing a black shirt, black pants, and white Nike shoes.

Anyone who believes they may have seen Russell or may have any information about this case is asked to call Detective Brad Fountain at 205-444-7562.