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Police: Woman takes off with 1-year-old daughter after losing custody battle

CHARLEROI, Pa. — Authorities are looking for a North Charleroi woman who disappeared with her 1-year-old daughter last week after she lost a custody battle.

According to police, 40-year-old Tara Ames was last seen on Oct. 24 with her 1-year-old daughter, Emma Crawford, in North Charleroi.

Investigators said Emma’s father was recently awarded custody of the child.

On Monday, Ames was charged with a felony count of interference with custody of children, officials said.

"Fortunately, we have no reason to believe the child is in any danger," Charleroi Regional Chief Mike Matyas said. "The family is still very concerned and would like to locate them."

Ames is described as a white female, standing about 5 feet 6 inches tall and weighing about 200 pounds. Police said she has red hair.

Anyone with information on Ames and Crawford’s whereabouts is asked to contact Charleroi Regional Police at 724-483-8010.

Channel 11’s news exchange partners at TribLIVE contributed to this report.