Atlanta police issued an Amber Alert and arrest warrants after authorities say a mother abducted two children from a residence in southeast Atlanta. Officials are asking anyone with information to come forward.
By the Atlanta Zone 3 desk
Atlanta police issued an Amber Alert on May 23, 2026 at 12:00 AM ET after investigators say a mother, identified by authorities as Bernice Keys, took two children from a residence in southeast Atlanta, the department said. Arrest warrants have been issued for Keys in connection with the removal of the children, and law enforcement is asking the public for help locating the family.
What the department says
The Atlanta Police Department described the case as an abduction in its public notice and activated the Amber Alert to broaden community notification. The department’s alert did not include additional details about the circumstances at the home or the children’s ages.
APD officials emphasized two confirmed developments: issuance of arrest warrants for Keys and activation of the Amber Alert to push the notice across media, highway signs and transit channels. Those steps indicate investigators have probable cause and are seeking broad public assistance.
Where this matters
The children were taken from a residence in southeast Atlanta — an area that includes Zone 3 neighborhoods such as Grant Park, Summerhill, Peoplestown and Lakewood Heights. Neighbors and people who travel through these communities should be alert for official Amber Alert messages and any signs that match law enforcement descriptions.
Because Amber Alerts aim to reach drivers and transit riders across the metro area, authorities ask residents, business owners and commuters in and around those neighborhoods to watch for notifications on local media, electronic highway boards and social channels tied to official APD accounts.
How to report tips
If you have immediate information or believe you have sighted the family, call 911. For non-emergencies or to share a tip directly with the Atlanta Police Department, use the department’s standard non-emergency contact channels or submit information through APD’s tips line.
Investigators say even small details — vehicle make or color, direction of travel, or a partial license-plate number — can be critical. Officials urge residents to pass any verified information directly to police rather than sharing unconfirmed reports on social media.
Sources and context
This report is based on the Atlanta Police Department’s public alert and the Amber Alert activation on May 23, 2026 at 12:00 AM ET. For official zone maps and updates, APD maintains online zone information and crime-mapping resources:
Neighborhood organizations in Grant Park, Summerhill, Peoplestown and Lakewood Heights regularly coordinate with APD on safety and outreach. Authorities ask those groups and residents to prioritize direct communication with investigators if they have relevant information.
If you have information, call 911 for emergencies or contact the Atlanta Police Department through its non-emergency channels. Monitor official APD communications and local media for further updates.
