Missing 9-Month-Old Found Safe and Woman Arrested in Columbia

Zayden Scruggs Found Safe in Columbia After Evening Search and Arrest

A nine-month-old boy reported missing from a Columbia residence on Saturday evening has been located safe and unharmed, while a 32-year-old woman faces an arrest in connection with the incident, KOMU 8 reported.

The Columbia Police Department received a report of a missing child at risk at 6:18 p.m. on Saturday. The infant, Zayden Scruggs, had last been seen around 3:00 p.m. at a home located in the 700 block of Claudell Lane. According to police releases, the boy’s grandmother left the residence earlier in the day leaving Zayden with his mother. When the grandmother returned at approximately 6:00 p.m., the child was gone.

Investigators pursued leads suggesting an individual may have found the infant alone inside the residence and removed him to another location for his safety. At 8:03 p.m., CPD issued a public safety alert regarding the disappearance.

Columbia police say missing 9-month-old boy has been found

Police Arrest Woman After Missing Baby Returns Home Safely

Shortly after authorities distributed the alert, an individual known to the child brought Zayden back to the home unharmed. Columbia Police spokesperson Colin Imhoff confirmed to KOMU 8 at 8:14 p.m. that the baby had been found.

Officers arrested Lillian Scruggs, 32, on a charge of abuse or neglect of a child. The investigation remains active and ongoing.

Authorities evaluated the case against Missouri’s criteria for an Amber Alert and determined the information available did not meet those specific thresholds. Instead, CPD utilized alternative notification channels, distributing a missing endangered person advisory, issuing a wireless emergency alert, and publishing notices via social media.