Missing New Bern 9‑year‑old found safe; mother taken into custody, police say

NEW BERN, N.C. (WTVD) -- A 9-year-old New Bern boy who was the subject of an AMBER Alert has been located safely, and his mother has been taken into custody, police said early Saturday.

Authorities said Austin Ross and his mother, Amber Vest, were spotted walking along Neuse Boulevard. No further details were immediately released.

Earlier, the New Bern Police Department had asked for the public's help in locating Austin, who was reported missing Friday.

Austin is described as about 4 feet tall, weighing approximately 50 pounds, with blond hair and blue eyes. He was last seen wearing a Carolina blue Spider-Man T-shirt, blue jean shorts and black-and-white Nike sneakers, along with a black-and-blue "Jurassic World" backpack.

Police said the child was believed to be with Vest, 45, who is described as about 5 feet 4 inches tall with a medium build, brown hair and hazel eyes. She was last seen wearing a purple shirt, blue jeans, Hoka shoes and a dark blue beanie, and had braided hair at the time.

The AMBER Alert has since been canceled.

Anyone with information about the child's whereabouts is urged to contact the New Bern Police Department at (252) 633-2020 or call 911 immediately.