News Summary
An Amber Alert for 5-year-old Yasir Felton-Smith has been canceled after he was found safe in Decatur, Georgia. His mother, Tia Lache Smith, has been charged with kidnapping following the incident where she allegedly took Yasir without permission. Smith struck Yasir’s uncle with her vehicle, resulting in critical injuries. Yasir is now safe and reunited with his family. The case raises serious concerns about child safety and protective measures against domestic abuse.
Decatur, Georgia – An Amber Alert issued for 5-year-old Yasir Felton-Smith has been canceled after the child was found safe. Yasir was located at an apartment belonging to a friend or family member of his mother, Tia Lache Smith, approximately six to eight miles from his grandmother’s home. The alert had indicated Yasir was believed to be in extreme danger when it was issued on Thursday.
Tia Lache Smith, 23, is facing serious legal repercussions as she has been charged with kidnapping and aggravated assault in connection with the abduction. The charges arise after Smith allegedly took Yasir from his father’s home without permission, claiming she was taking him for the weekend. During the incident, she struck Yasir’s uncle with her vehicle, leaving him in critical condition at Grady Memorial Hospital.
Law enforcement officials confirmed that Smith was in possession of Yasir at the time of the abduction and that she was driving a silver 2013 Dodge Avenger with Georgia license plate SFE9628. Authorities did not specify Smith’s relationship to Yasir in the alert but provided descriptions and the car’s details for public assistance in locating them.
Shortly after the Amber Alert was issued, multiple tips from the public helped in locating the pair. Thankfully, Yasir was found unharmed and has since been reunited with his father and grandmother, who reported that he is safe and happy.
Prior to this incident, Tia Lache Smith had been out on bond and awaiting trial on a child abuse charge involving Yasir. Evidence presented in that case included a video that appeared to show her using a belt to strike the child.
The situation raises important questions about child safety and the effectiveness of protective measures in preventing domestic abuse scenarios. Law enforcement has yet to disclose further details about the potential legal implications for Smith, but more charges may follow as the investigation is ongoing.
This case serves as a stark reminder of the risks some children face and the urgency with which law enforcement responds to Amber Alerts when a child’s safety is at stake. The authorities encourage the community to remain vigilant and report any suspicious activities related to child safety promptly.
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
HERE Resources
Atlanta and South Africa Forge Stronger Economic Relations
Traffic Chaos at Fort Stewart Due to Military Training and Construction
Additional Resources
- Atlanta News First
- Wikipedia: Amber Alert
- Fox 5 Atlanta
- Google Search: Decatur Amber Alert
- 11Alive
- Google Scholar: Amber Alert Child Safety
- WSB TV
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Child Safety
- CNAW2 News
- Google News: Amber Alert Yasir Felton-Smith
- KCRG
Author: STAFF HERE ATLANTA WRITER
The ATLANTA STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HEREAtlanta.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Atlanta, Fulton County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as vibrant music festivals like Shaky Knees and Music Midtown, major cultural celebrations including Dragon Con and the Atlanta Film Festival, and iconic sporting events like the Peachtree Road Race. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Metro Atlanta Chamber of Commerce and the Atlanta Convention & Visitors Bureau, plus leading businesses in logistics, beverages, and retail that power the local economy such as Delta Air Lines, The Coca-Cola Company, and The Home Depot. As part of the broader HERE network, including HEREAugusta.com and HERESavannah.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Georgia's dynamic landscape.
