Since the disappearance of 3-year-old Claire Bell on Sunday morning in LaSalle, a major search operation has been underway across Quebec and Ontario to find the missing child.
Last seen around 9:45 a.m. in the Montreal borough of LaSalle, Claire has not been heard from since. The circumstances surrounding her disappearance remain unclear.
Truck Drivers May Hold Crucial Clues
The Sûreté du Québec (SQ) is asking the public for help in tracing the movements of a 2007 grey Ford Escape, license plate K50 FVE, with a yellow “Baby on board!” sticker on the rear window.
Anyone who traveled on Sunday, June 15, between 9:45 a.m. and 3:00 p.m., on Highway 30, Highway 20, or surrounding secondary roads between Montreal and Ontario, is urged to check dashcam footage.
Even a brief sighting of the vehicle may provide a valuable lead. Information can be reported confidentially to the SQ’s dedicated line at 1-800-659-4264, or directly to 911 if a live sighting occurs.
Child Abandonment Charge Laid
Rachel Todd, Claire’s mother, has been charged with child abandonment under Section 218 of the Criminal Code, which carries a maximum penalty of five years if the child’s life or health was endangered. The 34-year-old woman, who first appeared in court by phone late Monday night, is expected to return to court on Tuesday, likely in Salaberry-de-Valleyfield.
According to the SQ, Ms. Todd showed up at a souvenir shop in Coteau-du-Lac around 3:30 p.m. Sunday, stating that she had lost her daughter and didn’t know where she was. This leaves a troubling six-hour gap between the last known sighting of Claire and when she was reported missing.
Major Search Operation in Place
Police searched the mother’s apartment in LaSalle, sealing it with “Protected Scene” tape. On the ground, intensive efforts have been deployed: drones, helicopters, canine units, ATV patrols, specialized officers, and civilian search teams have covered large areas including Coteau-du-Lac, Vaudreuil-Dorion, and Saint-Polycarpe.
Tragically, a chihuahua resembling the family’s dog was found dead Monday afternoon near Highway 30, close to where the disappearance was reported. While not yet formally identified, the discovery adds to the growing concern without providing clear leads on Claire’s whereabouts.
No AMBER Alert Issued
Many citizens have expressed confusion and frustration over the lack of an AMBER Alert. However, according to the SQ, the strict criteria for such an alert were not met: there was no clear indication of abduction or immediate risk of death or serious injury. Instead, the case has been classified as a media alert, relying on widespread coverage across traditional and social media.
Although the decision has upset many, we must work within the current system and rely on collective solidarity. Every citizen can play a key role by sharing information widely, reviewing dashcam footage, and staying alert to anything unusual. It is through vigilance and public mobilization that a difference can be made.
A Widespread Effort Across Regions
Solidarity has spread far beyond LaSalle and Vaudreuil. Regions such as Mauricie, Centre-du-Québec, Estrie, Montérégie, and eastern Ontario have joined in spreading the missing child alert. Citizens are encouraged to check their property, backyards, sheds, garages, or any unusual location that may offer clues to investigators.
Claire Bell is approximately 90 cm (3 feet) tall, weighs 16 kg (35 lb), has brown hair and brown eyes. She was last seen wearing a white long-sleeved shirt with a red collar and grey pants, and was not wearing shoes.
A Race Against Time
This is a race against time that calls for unity and awareness. Despite challenging terrain, hot temperatures, and wide areas to cover, the search continues with intensity. As investigators press on, everyone shares the same hope: to bring Claire Bell home, safe and sound.