News Summary
Yasir Felton-Smith, a 5-year-old boy, was safely located after an Amber Alert was issued following his disappearance under alarming circumstances. His mother, who does not have legal custody, allegedly took him without permission. The boy’s safety was a major concern after a family member was injured during the incident. Law enforcement found Yasir unharmed and took his mother into custody, charging her with kidnapping and aggravated assault. The incident raised serious questions about her past actions and ability to care for him.
Decatur, Georgia – A 5-year-old boy, Yasir Felton-Smith, has been found safe following an Amber Alert that was issued after he was reported missing. The alert, which indicated that Yasir could have been in extreme danger, was canceled after he was located unharmed at an apartment approximately 6 to 8 miles from his grandmother’s home.
The boy was last seen on Thursday with his mother, 23-year-old Tia Lache Smith, who does not have legal custody of him. Smith reportedly took Yasir from his father’s home around 4 p.m. without permission, telling the family she was taking him for the weekend. The child’s family has claimed that Smith was trespassing when she took action to leave with him.
During the incident, a family member who attempted to intervene was struck by Smith’s vehicle. This 26-year-old man sustained serious injuries and is currently in critical condition at Grady Memorial Hospital following surgery. The event raised concerns about Yasir’s safety, prompting law enforcement officials to issue the Amber Alert.
After an exhaustive search effort, authorities were successfully able to locate Yasir at an acquaintance’s apartment that is linked to Smith. The circumstances surrounding his discovery were a relief to his family, who had been anxiously awaiting his safe return. Authorities then took Smith into custody, charging her with kidnapping and aggravated assault.
This incident is particularly concerning as Smith had been previously charged with child abuse involving Yasir. At that time, video evidence surfaced showing her physically abusing him with a belt. She was out on bond at the time of this recent incident and was awaiting trial for those charges. The current situation has raised further questions about her suitability as a caregiver for her son.
After being safely returned to his father and grandmother, Yasir was reported to be safe and happy at home. His family is grateful for the swift actions taken by law enforcement, allowing them to bring Yasir back without any harm.
As the investigation continues, authorities have indicated that more charges could potentially be filed against Smith. This case has attracted significant attention due to the serious nature of the allegations against her and the urgency of the Amber Alert situation.
Given the timeline of events and the complex background involving custody and abuse allegations, this remains a developing situation. Local law enforcement is expected to provide further updates as the investigation unfolds. Meanwhile, community members have expressed their relief at Yasir’s safety and hope for a resolution that prioritizes the well-being of the child.
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
HERE Resources
Amber Alert Canceled for Missing 5-Year-Old in Georgia
Georgia Governor Announces $1 Billion Tax Refunds Amid Controversies
Violent Incidents Raise Alarm in Georgia Communities
Youth Soccer Coach Charged with Murder of 13-Year-Old
Tragic Loss: Community Mourns 9-Year-Old Boy Swept Away by Floods
Missing 14-Year-Old Abdul Aziz Khan Found Safe in Colorado
Tragic Learjet Crash Takes Lives and Raises Questions
Weekend Events in Atlanta: Music, Festivals, and Culture
Missing Brothers Amir and Balail Caldwell Found Safe in Atlanta
Partisanship Heats Up in Minnesota Legislative Session
Additional Resources
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.
