The Hillsborough County Sheriff's Office is releasing body camera footage from the moment Tinnley West, the center of a recent AMBER Alert, was located on Tuesday, February 16, 2021.
The one-year-old girl was sleeping in the back of her family's SUV when a suspect entered the unlocked, running vehicle and drove off. West was located by HCSO Master Corporal John Seale unharmed inside the vehicle at St Andrews Methodist Chuch, approximately three miles from where the vehicle was stolen in Valrico. Video of the rescue can be viewed here.
"We are so thankful for Master Corporal Seale and the countless deputies who worked tirelessly to locate Baby Tinnley West and reunite her with her family," said Sheriff Chad Chronister. "It was a privilege to personally thank him today for his diligence and job well done."
In addition to being recognized by Sheriff Chronister, Chief Deputy Donna Lusczynski, and Tinnley West's grandfather on Wednesday morning, February 17, Master Corporal Seale was also awarded the Chief's Challenge Coin, a limited edition recognition coin given to HCSO personnel who exhibit extraordinary performance on the job.
Detectives continue to search for the vehicle theft suspect seen on home surveillance video just prior to the incident. Anyone with information related to this case is urged to call the Hillsborough County Sheriff's Office at 813-247-8200.
