Sarasota police find pregnant woman and her 18-month-old baby who were reported missing

UPDATE: A pregnant woman and her baby were found safe after detectives with the Sarasota Police Department put out a missing persons alert.

Detectives found Jessica Innes, 23, and her 18-month-old son, Wayne Mellinger about 90 minutes after putting out an alert. Innes was last seen on Oct. 7 when she boarded a transit bus bound for Palmetto. Family members became concerned and contacted Sarasota police late Friday night when Innes had not yet returned.

“Detectives are concerned about mother and baby’s well being due to her having left with no supplies for either herself or her baby,” Sarasota Police Lt. Lori Jaress wrote in an email Monday evening.

The release described Innes as 5-foot-4, weighing approximately 120 pounds with brown hair and blue eyes and seven months pregnant.

SARASOTA -- Detectives with the Sarasota Police Department are currently investigating a missing persons case they believe may involve child endangerment.

Detectives are searching for Jessica Innes, 23, and her 18-month-old son, Wayne Mellinger. According to police, Innes was last seen around noon Oct. 7 when she was believed to have boarded a transit bus bound for Palmetto. Family members became concerned and contacted Sarasota police late last Friday night when Innes had not yet returned.

"Detectives are concerned about mother and baby's well being due to her having left with no supplies for either herself or her baby," Sarasota Police Lt. Lori Jaress wrote in an email Monday evening. "Jessica may be in the company of the baby's father, 27-year-old Michael Mellinger.

According to a release, Innes is described as a 5-foot-4 female, weighing approximately 120 lbs with brown hair and blue eyes. She is 7 months pregnant. Police said Innes was last seen wearing a green top with black leggings. Wayne, was last seen wearing a red and black outfit, according to a release.

Anyone with information regarding the whereabouts of either Innes, her son Wayne, or Mellinger, is asked to contact Det. Buck or Sgt. Shanafelt with the Sarasota Police Department immediately at 941-316-1201.

This story was originally published October 12, 2015 at 7:40 PM with the headline "Sarasota police find pregnant woman and her 18-month-old baby who were reported missing."