Missing Girl, Mom From Livingston County Found In Florida

DETROIT (WWJ) – A missing 7-year-old girl and her mom have been found safe in Florida according to police.

Amanda Howard (left) and Douglas Stanko.

An Amber Alert was issued Thursday for  30-year-old Amanda Hayward and her daughter, Sapphire Palmer, who left their home in Hamburg Township, south of Brighton, at around 3 a.m. on Tuesday and were last seen that night with 64-year old Douglas Steven Stanko, an acquaintance, who is registered as a sex offender in Michigan.

Police say Hayward and her daughter appeared in good physical health. Sapphire has been taken into protective custody by Florida child protective services per court order.

Stanko had left the area prior to arrival of law enforcement officials.

The Amber Alert was cancelled but an investigation continues.

Stay with WWJ Newsradio 950 and CBSDetroit for more on this developing story.