Kidnapping of 9-month-old baby sparks Amber Alert in Tennessee

Tony Lynn Lanier is wanted for ‘aggravated kidnapping’

Tony Lynn Lanier in a photo provided by the Lawrence County Sheriff's Office and the Tennessee Bureau of Investigation ((Tennessee Bureau of Investigation))

The Tennessee Bureau of Investigation (TBI) has issued a statewide Amber Alert, after a nine-month-old girl was “forcibly taken” from her family.

On Thursday evening, nine-month-old Braelee Rayne Trapp was abducted in Lawrenceburg, Tennessee, by 44-year-old Tony Lynn Lanier, according to the authorities.

On Friday morning, TBI issued an Amber Alert, in collaboration with the Lawrence County Sheriff’s Office, in an attempt to quickly locate the child.

An Amber Alert is issued when a child has been abducted and investigators believe they are in imminent danger.

The authorities released a joint statement, where they appealed for any information that could help with the case.

“Lanier was last seen wearing dark navy pants and a dark grey shirt with ‘Buckmaster’ on it and grey shoes,” the Amber Alert read.

“Braelee and Lanier were last seen in a black 2005 Chevy Equinox with Arkansas Tag 430Y2K.”

The statement confirmed that the infant has green eyes and brown hair and was last seen wearing a diaper, according to the International Business Times.

Mr Lanier has been described as a white man, standing over six feet tall, and weighing approximately 210lb. Investigators confirmed that he is wanted for “aggravated kidnapping.”

The suspect “was known” to the family, but TBI confirmed that “his exact connection, however, at this time, remains unclear.”

The authorities added: “If you have any information regarding the location of Braelee, Lanier, or this vehicle please contact the TBI at 1-800-TBI-FIND or the Lawrence County Sheriff’s Office at 931-762-0450.”