COTEAU-DU-LAC, QC – A growing sense of fear and heartbreak grips Canadians this week as a 3-year-old girl named Claire Belle has mysteriously gone missing under bizarre and deeply troubling circumstances.
Claire, who was last seen near her home in LaSalle on Sunday morning, has now been missing for over two days. The toddler was believed to be with her small brown long-haired Chihuahua, but in a devastating development, a dog matching that description was found deceased on the side of Highway 30 in Vaudreuil-Dorion—just west of Montreal.
Police have since launched an intensive search effort involving drones, helicopters, K9 units, and over 20 volunteer rescuers, combing both LaSalle and Coteau-du-Lac—where Claire was reported missing later the same day.
“We’re using every tool available. We know time is critical,” said Jean-Raphaël Drolet, spokesperson for the Sûreté du Québec.
⏱️ The Confusing Timeline That Has Investigators Stumped
Claire was reportedly last seen at 9:45 a.m. Sunday morning near Newman Boulevard in LaSalle, the neighbourhood where she lives. But she wasn’t reported missing until nearly six hours later—and not in LaSalle, but in Coteau-du-Lac, more than an hour’s drive away.
According to police, Claire’s mother walked into a local store and told a stranger that she “didn’t have her child anymore.” Authorities were immediately alerted, and the case took a chilling turn.
The mother was reportedly driving a gray 2007 Ford Escape, with license plate K50 FVE and a yellow “Baby on Board” sign in the back window. If you saw this vehicle on Sunday between LaSalle and Coteau-du-Lac, police are urging you to come forward.
🔍 Why No Amber Alert?
Although Claire has now been missing for over 48 hours, no Amber Alert was issued. Quebec police explained that it does not meet the strict criteria: an alert requires confirmed abduction, credible danger to the child, and actionable details that could lead to their recovery.
“We understand the public’s concern,” one officer said. “But legally, we need all criteria met to trigger that system.”
Still, the public’s frustration is growing—especially given the extreme heat and the fact that Claire may be barefoot and without access to water.
👧 Who Is Claire Belle?
Claire is 3 feet tall, weighs approximately 35 pounds, and has brown hair and brown eyes. She speaks English and was last seen wearing a white long-sleeve shirt with a pink collar, grey pants, and no shoes.
She may have last been seen walking with her Chihuahua—now tragically found dead. Police are asking anyone in LaSalle, Coteau-du-Lac, or along Highway 30 who might have seen a little girl with a small dog to immediately contact authorities.
🙏 Canadians Rally Together
This chilling case has captured the attention of many across the country. As in the recent tragic Sullivan siblings case, Canadians are once again coming together to share updates, search, and offer prayers for a missing child.
“It’s terrifying. She’s just a baby. I hope they find her safe,” said Camila Alves, a LaSalle resident who watched police go door-to-door Sunday night.
With each hour that passes, hope is strained but not lost.
📞 IF YOU HAVE INFORMATION:
Please call 911 immediately or reach out to the Sûreté du Québec confidential tip line at 1-800-659-4264
