Son of former Chaffee resident found safe

BLYTHEVILLE, Ark. -- A Blytheville 5-year-old allegedly abducted by his noncustodial parent Monday afternoon has been found safe.

Harry Darby, father of 5-year-old Evan Darby, formerly of Chaffee, Mo., confirmed via a Facebook post early this morning that the boy and his mother, Corbet Darby, had been located.

"Evan and Corbet have been found," Harry Darby posted. "Mother and son are safe. I am heading to pick Evan up now. Thank everyone for everything."

According to Blytheville Criminal Investigations Division Capt. Scott Adams, the ordeal began Monday afternoon when Harry Darby went to pick up Evan from his ex-wife's residence at Townhouse East Apartment, located at 840 E. Main.

"When he arrived he made contact with his ex-wife, Corbet Darby, who advised him to come back in an hour and closed the door," Adams said. "After a few minutes, [Corbet] Darby exited the apartment with the child in her hands and got into her 1996 white Volvo and locked the doors. Mr. Darby called the police department as he watched Mrs. Darby leave the parking lot before officers could arrive."

Harry Darby is a former employee of the Southeast Missourian.