LANSING (WWJ) - Local, state and federal authorities are continuing the desperate search for a missing toddler who was kidnapped three days ago by her mother's former boyfriend.
The reward for information has topped $25,000 as family members and friends hold out hope that 2-year-old Wynter Cole Smith will be safely found and returned home to them.
WWJ's Charlie Langton spoke with Smith's maternal grandmother, Sharen Eddings, who said all they can think about is getting out and looking for her.
"We're hoping to find her, you know, of course the scenario we would love if somebody were to have her. We wouldn't, we don't, that's the best scenario, right? But all we can think about is just getting out looking and so we're going to go out and search the Southfield Lathrup area.
Eddings said that Rashad Maleek Trice, 26, the man accused of taking the toddler, appeared to have spent some time in Oakland County and hopes something comes of their search.
The FBI announced a $25,000 reward to anyone that can provide authorities with information that will bring the little girl home. A map of Trice's route from Lansing to metro Detroit was also released to the public in hopes that someone may have seen something.
Trice was arrested Monday morning, but Smith has remained missing.
Officials said the child was not with Trice when he was taken into custody in St. Clair Shores, after he crashed a Chevy Impala head-on into a police car near 10 Mile Rd. and Little Mack.
A police officer was injured in the crash, but is expected to be OK.
Wynter was last seen Sunday at around 11:30 p.m. in south Lansing when it's believed she was taken by the suspect, according to investigators.
Police were called to her mother's home in Lansing late Sunday night, where they found she had been stabbed and assaulted, allegedly by Trice, according to Eddings.
Authorities say Trice had a relationship with the 22-year-old woman, but Smith is not his biological daughter, according Eddings.
The woman was said to be in stable condition and receiving treatment at a hospital, according to Lansing police.
The search for Smith has been "an all-out effort" Langton explained, with dogs, boats and drones being utilized by Michigan State Police troopers, local police departments and now FBI agents.
Anyone with information has been asked to contact the Lansing Police Department at 517-483-4600 or call Crime Stoppers at 517-483-7867 or 911.
The FBI is also accepting tips at 800-CALL-FBI.
It is believed she could be in the Metro Detroit area.