6-Year-Old Child Abducted in Downingtown

DOWNINGTOWN , PA — Chester County District Attorney’s Office and the Downingtown Police announced today that an Amber Alert has been issued for the abduction of 6-year-old Zoe Moss, who was last seen at East Ward Elementary School, 435 Washington Ave., Downingtown, around 6:00 p.m. Tuesday.

Police said the child may be at risk of harm or injury.

According to prosecutors:

• The child was at that location for a court-ordered, non-school-related supervised visit with her 37-year-old biological mother, Vanessa Gutshall.

• The supervisor of the visit reported to police that the mother fled with the child in a gray 2016 Volkswagen Jetta, license plate number KXR-3699.
• Investigators learned that Gutshall was last seen between 7:30 and 8:00 p.m. onOct. 25 at the Rivertowne Restaurant & Bar in Wrightsville, about an hourwest of Downingtown near York.

“It is imperative that we find Zoe Moss immediately because of the potentially dangerous situation she is in with her mother,” Chester County District Attorney Deb Ryan said.

"Just because her mother is involved does not mean she is in less danger. Zoe needs the eyes and ears of every adult to bring her to safety.”

Downingtown Police Chief Howard Holland said law enforcement has been searching for Zoe Moss relentlessly since she was reported missing.

“We will continue looking for her until she is found.” Holland said. “But we need the public’s help.”

Amber Alerts are issued when a child under 18 is abducted and believed to be in imminent danger of serious bodily injury or death.

An arrest warrant has been issued for Vanessa Gutshall.

Contact Downingtown Police with any information: 610-269-0263 or 911.