Only about 1 in 10 missing children cases in Canada last more than 72 hours. This case went on for four days before a drone found a three-year-old near Highway 417. This long wait explains the huge relief in Quebec and Ontario.
Police found the missing Quebec girl, Claire Bell, near Casselman–St‑Albert just after 2 p.m. Wednesday. An Ontario Provincial Police drone spotted her in tall grass. She was alive, able to speak, and a bit dehydrated but safe.
Officers gave her food, water, and took her to the hospital for a check-up. The search started on Sunday after she went missing in LaSalle, Montreal. It quickly turned into a big effort with many teams and volunteers.
They used helicopters, drones, and more to search for her. The search focused on the Casselman–St‑Albert area. For many, the news of a missing girl found was a big relief.
Police later said they arrested someone and charged them with leaving a child alone. They asked people not to share the child’s name or picture. But the news of a missing child found alive was a big help from tips and social media.
Quebec Premier François Legault called it “almost a miracle.” Officers from the Sûreté du Québec and OPP said it was an emotional moment when they found Claire Bell.
Breaking update: Missing Quebec girl found alive near Casselman, Ontario
Ontario Provincial Police have made a big discovery in the claire bell missing case. The search for the missing girl Quebec moved east after sightings over the weekend. By mid-week, the search in eastern Ontario got more intense.
Discovery beside Highway 417 after OPP drone search
At about 2 p.m. Wednesday, an OPP drone team found the child in tall grass near Highway 417. The area is in the Casselman–St‑Albert region. This was a major breakthrough in the missing child Quebec case.
Child found dehydrated but safe and speaking with officers
Sûreté du Québec Sgt. Éloïse Cossette said the toddler was awake and talking to officers. The child was dehydrated but had no serious injuries. Families were overjoyed to hear the missing girl found was okay.
Immediate care: food, hydration and hospital evaluation
Paramedics gave the child water and food before taking them to the hospital. They checked for any further health issues. The search effort, starting with claire bell missing and missing child Quebec, ended with a girl found alive near Casselman.
Timeline of events from Montreal to St‑Albert
The search for a missing 3 year old moved quickly across two provinces. It started in Montreal and then moved to eastern Ontario. This story is similar to many cases of missing children, raising concerns for families everywhere.
Sunday morning: last seen on Newman Boulevard in LaSalle, Montreal
Claire Bell and her mother, Rachel‑Ella Todd, were seen on Newman Boulevard in LaSalle at 9:45 a.m. They left an apartment building with a small chihuahua. This marked the start of a missing child case in Quebec.
Afternoon report in Coteau‑du‑Lac and shift in search areas
By 3 p.m., a grey Ford Escape was found in Coteau‑du‑Lac. The car had a “Baby on Board” sticker. This led to a search in Montreal and Montérégie, adding urgency to the case.
On Monday, the Sûreté du Québec looked for a reddish‑brown chihuahua and a farm worker witness. A dog was found near Highways 20 and 30 later that day.
Wednesday: confirmation of sightings in Casselman–St‑Albert area
By midweek, the mother and child were confirmed alive near Casselman and St‑Albert. The search moved east, with officers checking rural roads and fields. This case highlighted the challenges of searching across borders.
Drone spots toddler in tall grass around 2 p.m.
At 2 p.m. on Wednesday, a drone found the toddler in tall grass near Highway 417. This discovery was a major breakthrough in the search. Aerial support was key in finding the child, similar to cases in Quebec and Ontario.
Key terms used in this chronology reflect common phrasing in public safety updates to ensure clarity for readers following developments across Quebec and Ontario.
Search operation details across Quebec and Ontario
The search area spanned from Montreal’s LaSalle to fields near Casselman. Teams worked hard, despite the heat and humidity. They knew every minute counted in the hunt for a missing child in Quebec and Ontario.
Multi‑agency effort with helicopters, drones, K‑9 and mounted units
Many groups joined the search, including the Sûreté du Québec and Ontario Provincial Police. They used helicopters, drones, K‑9 units, and mounted police. This team covered a wide area, from Montreal to Prescott and Russell.
Air support flew low to help spot the missing girl. Drones scanned the ground, while K‑9 units followed fences. Mounted police checked rough terrain near Vaudreuil‑Dorion.
Teams kept detailed records of any sightings. They updated their maps every hour, adjusting for changing weather.
More than 250 searchers combing fields, roads and forests
Over 250 people searched on foot, covering farms, roads, and forests. They checked every nook and cranny, following up on tips from the community.
Leaders made sure everyone stayed focused, even as the search went on for days. This effort showed how quickly a lead can emerge, as seen in other missing child cases.
Why an Amber Alert was not issued
An Amber Alert wasn’t issued because the legal criteria weren’t met. The rules are in place to keep the system effective and prevent misuse.
Officers explained that alerts need to be specific and reliable. This ensures public trust, whether it’s a missing child in Quebec or a girl found alive after three years.
How public tips and social media posts helped
Public tips and social media posts gave valuable information. They helped narrow down the search area from Montreal to St‑Albert. Businesses and locals along Highway 417 and near concession roads provided key details.
These tips matched patrol reports and drone scans. This information was vital in guiding the search teams, just before a critical aerial sweep.
Claire Bell
Claire Bell became famous in Canada after a search started in LaSalle and moved to eastern Ontario. The three-year-old girl from Quebec was the focus of urgent updates. Officers and volunteers searched fields and roads.
Later, authorities asked people to stop sharing her name and photo to protect her privacy. Yet, interest stayed high as people followed verified updates. This included a search recap that showed she was found near Highway 417.
After four days and three nights, the missing girl was found dehydrated but alive. Police said she could talk before being taken for care. Her father thanked supporters on Instagram, asking for quiet time with their child.
Public figures like Quebec Premier François Legault praised the response. He called the result “almost a miracle.” Community members also shared relief that the girl was safe.
People searching online used different names, like claire belle, but updates confirmed it was Claire Bell. The discovery ended days of attention and a careful effort to protect a minor.
| Key Detail | What’s Known | Source Context |
|---|---|---|
| Age | Three years old | Confirmed in police briefings and national coverage |
| Timeline | Four days and three nights missing | Consistent across reports from Quebec and Ontario |
| Discovery | Located near Highway 417 by an OPP drone | Detailed in cross‑jurisdictional search summaries |
| Condition | Dehydrated, conscious, able to speak | Followed by food, hydration, and hospital evaluation |
| Privacy | Publication ban and request to limit sharing | Police guidance to protect the child’s identity |
Key locations: LaSalle, Coteau‑du‑Lac, Vaudreuil‑Dorion, Casselman and St‑Albert
The search for the missing girl started in Montreal and moved west into rural Ontario. Each location was important because it connected witness reports to roads and services. This helped officers find the missing girl.
From apartment emergency exit to rural Ontario
In LaSalle, a quiet Sunday turned into a search for Claire Bell and her mother. They left their building through an emergency exit. By mid-day, a report of a missing girl was made in Coteau‑du‑Lac.
Staff there saw a grey Ford Escape with a “Baby on Board” sticker. The plate number was K50 FVE. Later, tips led to Vaudreuil‑Dorion and then to fields near Casselman and St‑Albert. These places were where the missing girl was seen on Sunday afternoon.
Community centre in St‑Albert as the search hub
The St‑Albert community centre became a key spot for the search. Ontario Provincial Police and Sûreté du Québec teams set up there. Reporters waited outside, and volunteers brought food and drinks.
From this centre, officers went door-to-door and searched farms. They also walked through ditches and hedgerows. This was all to find the missing girl.
Route corridors: Highways 20, 30 and 417
Investigators followed travel lines along Highways 20 and 30. They then headed eastbound towards Route 417 Ontario. Near the Highway 20/30 junction, a small chihuahua was found. This detail helped focus the search.
These corridors led to suburban streets, farmland, and service ramps. The search ended near Highway 417. There, the missing girl was found beside Route 417 Ontario.
What authorities have confirmed and what remains unclear
Police in Quebec and Ontario shared what they can about the missing girl case. They stressed the limits of what they can say. Families and those following the case are advised to wait for official updates.
Arrest and charge of unlawful abandonment of a child
Police arrested 34-year-old Rachel‑Ella (Rachel) Todd for abandoning a child. She was held at Leclerc Institution in Laval. Her case was postponed to Friday for a possible bail hearing.
The Crown opposed her release due to the serious nature of the charge. No psychiatric assessment was sought at this time. These details guide what we know about the missing girl investigation.
Publication ban and request to stop sharing the child’s name and photo
Police and prosecutors have a publication ban to protect the child’s identity. They asked everyone to stop sharing the child’s name and photos. This is to preserve privacy and reduce harm.
Responsible reporting is key to protecting minors. All inquiries about the missing girl case should go through official statements.
Unanswered questions about the four days missing
Investigators have not discussed how the child survived for four days. Questions include clothing, custody, and interactions with a farm worker. They declined to discuss these points, citing the case’s active status.
Those following the case should expect updates as evidence is verified. Any news about the 3 year old missing will be released carefully.
| Confirmed by Authorities | Status | Key Source | Relevance to Case |
|---|---|---|---|
| Arrest of Rachel‑Ella (Rachel) Todd | Confirmed | Court appearance records | Establishes suspect in unlawful abandonment of a child |
| Detention at Leclerc Institution, Laval | Confirmed | Police and Crown statements | Clarifies custodial status pending next steps |
| Opposition to release by Crown | Confirmed | Crown prosecutor Lili Prévost Gravel | Signals seriousness of charge and risk concerns |
| Publication ban on the child’s identity | Confirmed | Court order and police request | Protects privacy in a 3 year old missing investigation |
| Four‑day timeline of the child’s whereabouts | Unclear | Ongoing investigation | Central to the missing girl quebec and missing child quebec questions |
| Clothing, custody, and heat exposure details | Unclear | Ongoing investigation | Potential evidence about survival and care |
| Farm‑worker witness identity and interaction | Unclear | Ongoing investigation | Could clarify movements before discovery |
| Next court scheduling | Pending | Salaberry‑de‑Valleyfield court | Determines timing for possible bail hearing |
Community reaction: relief, empathy and lingering questions
In Prescott and Russell, people felt a huge relief when the missing girl was found near Highway 417. The news of a missing child found brought neighbors together, but many are worried about the girl’s future.
Voices from Fromagerie St‑Albert staff and customers
At Fromagerie St‑Albert, the staff felt a wave of relief. Supervisor Alex Aubin said customers kept asking questions, even as they were happy the girl was safe. Deli worker Parker Bedbrook remembered everyone studying the photo, hoping to find a clue.
Customers Marc Ryan and Suzanne Tremblay‑Ryan called it a “happy ending, for now.” They noted, though, that there are many unanswered questions. Residents Lisa Laframboise and educator Luisa Crassoski shared a mix of hope and sadness. They said finding a missing child can leave lasting feelings.
Parents in the region express hope and concern
Parents showed empathy for the missing girl and called for counseling. Valérie Bérubé‑Lévesque said families want to help in practical ways. Caroline Dandremont felt guilty that the missing girl was near her commute, wishing she had known sooner.
Emotional response from OPP and SQ officers
At a joint update, OPP Acting Staff Sgt. Shaun Cameron said the case was personal for many officers. SQ Capt. Benoit Richard highlighted the urgency of finding a toddler. He thanked everyone who shared tips, helping find the missing girl.
Notable investigative threads reported by media
As the relief over the missing child Quebec case settles, several leads continue to shape the picture. Reporters have noted parallel threads involving a farm encounter, the family pet, and alleged digital activity. Coverage has also referenced claire bell and other cases, including a little girl found in dumpster Toronto, to frame how communities respond when a woman went missing after seeing toddler headlines dominate.
Search for a farm worker witness who met the mother
Police asked for help finding a bilingual farm worker who may have met the mother on Sunday. The time window runs from 9:45 a.m. to 3:30 p.m., possibly in southwestern Quebec or eastern Ontario. This inquiry is part of the wider effort to trace movements linked to the missing Quebec girl and to verify tips tied to claire bell and similar high‑profile searches.
Report of family dog found dead near Highways 20/30
Media reports indicate investigators found a long‑haired Chihuahua near the junction of Highways 20 and 30 outside Montreal. The animal matches the pet seen with the mother and child earlier. Context from this news coverage highlights the importance of the scene near Coteau‑du‑Lac and Vaudreuil‑Dorion in the missing child Quebec timeline.
Alleged online searches on funeral topics under investigation
Le Journal de Montréal reported that investigators are examining alleged searches on a phone related to funeral arrangements and children’s urns. A police source quoted by the outlet called the findings troubling. These details surface as authorities cross‑check digital evidence with field sightings, mindful of how a woman went missing after seeing toddler accounts can echo across regions and draw comparisons to a little girl found in dumpster Toronto coverage.
Officials continue to gather statements and review data to clarify locations, contacts, and timing. The threads move in tandem with public appeals, which have kept focus on the missing Quebec girl while avoiding speculation and respecting the child at the centre of the story.
Government and legal developments to watch
Relief is spreading over the quebec missing girl case. Now, everyone is looking at court dates, the Crown’s strategy, and messages from Quebec’s premier. Authorities remind us of privacy rules tied to a publication ban. These rules are key in any coverage of a missing child quebec file.
Court appearances and possible bail hearing timing
Rachel‑Ella (Rachel) Todd was arrested Tuesday and charged with unlawful abandonment of a child. She first appeared by video from Vaudreuil, then was detained at Leclerc prison in Laval. She returned to court in Salaberry‑de‑Valleyfield on Wednesday.
The judge postponed proceedings to Friday to decide on a bail hearing. For families following the 4 year old missing in quebec case, that timing sets the next legal checkpoint as the missing 4 year old in quebec recovers under care.
Crown prosecutor’s stance and next steps
Crown prosecutor Lili Prévost Gravel opposed release, citing the seriousness of the charge. Officials said no psychiatric assessment had yet been requested, and the mother’s mental state was not well established at this stage.
Expect filings to address detention grounds and evidence handling under the publication ban. The quebec missing girl investigation proceeds as a missing child quebec matter with cautious updates from police and the courts.
Premier’s statement calling the outcome “almost a miracle”
Quebec Premier François Legault welcomed the child’s safe recovery, calling it “almost a miracle,” and thanked police and citizens for their role. His remarks underscored restraint in sharing images and details while legal steps unfold.
Public officials continue to balance relief over the 4 year old missing in quebec with respect for privacy. That guidance remains central as the missing 4 year old in quebec case moves through the justice system.
How to talk about missing child cases responsibly
Using the right words helps protect a child’s future. After a quebec girl missing was found, police asked everyone to stop sharing her details. This helps prevent harm and supports healing.
Stick to updates from trusted sources like the Sûreté du Québec and the Ontario Provincial Police. Avoid sharing guesses about the child’s situation. When talking about a missing child quebec or a missing 3 year old elsewhere, be precise.
Community help is most effective when it follows official advice. Quick tips and attention to witness appeals can help searches. This approach is also useful in missing 3 year old toronto alerts or cases across borders.
Choose words carefully and share only approved images. Small actions in how we speak and share can protect the child’s privacy. This also keeps the public informed during any quebec girl missing investigation.
Being clear and accurate builds trust. Quote officers by role and note dates and times. If unsure, wait and go through official channels. This helps keep every missing child quebec search focused on safety and evidence.
Conclusion
The search for Claire Bell ended near Highway 417, in St‑Albert and Casselman. An OPP drone team found the missing child alive. It started in LaSalle and moved through several places before reaching eastern Ontario.
The Ontario Provincial Police and the Sûreté du Québec worked together. They had help from volunteers and local residents. This showed how technology, teamwork, and tips can bring a child home.
Police arrested Rachel‑Ella (Rachel) Todd for leaving a child alone. They are trying to figure out what happened during those missing days. A ban on sharing the child’s identity was put in place.
Leaders called the outcome a miracle. Premier François Legault said it was “almost a miracle.” People in Quebec and Ontario felt relieved when the girl was found safe.
The case of Claire Bell teaches us important lessons. We should act quickly, share accurate information, and respect privacy. These actions, along with drones and K‑9 teams, helped the child get the care and support they needed.