SANFORD — Police across New England at press time this morning were continuing to search for 2-year-old Hailey Traynham, whom they say was abducted by her father, Gary Traynham Jr., after he allegedly assaulted the girl’s mother just before noon Monday.
“We met with the Federal Bureau of Investigation last night,” said Sanford Police Chief Thomas Connolly this morning. “They’ll help us do some investigative things.”
A nationwide warrant for Traynham, charging gross sexual assault, was issued late Monday, said Sanford Deputy Police Chief Craig Sanford.
The Journal Tribune does not identify victims of sexual assault.
Traynham allegedly assaulted his girlfriend, from whom he was recently estranged, at her Sanford apartment and then left with the little girl. He is said to be driving a green 1998 Dodge 1500 pickup truck with Maine registration 8629 NB.
After the alleged assault, Connolly said the three walked out of the apartment together. Traynham was allegedly intoxicated.
“The mom was trying to turn the tension away because of Hailey. They exited the apartment together and when they were outside, he took Hailey and left,” said Connolly.
State, county and local police across New England have been on the outlook for Traynham and Hailey.
“My question is, ”˜Where is he?’” said Connolly this morning. “Somebody must have seen her.”
The truck is stolen ”“ Traynham had borrowed it from a co-worker, Connolly said.
State Police issued the Amber Alert for Hailey late Monday afternoon. At that time, police believed Traynham may have been in the Lakes Region of New Hampshire. The Vermont State Police activated its Amber Alert system just before midnight Monday.
Police said Traynham is 5 feet, 11 inches tall and weighs about 230 pounds. He is balding and has brown hair, hazel eyes and a dark goatee.
Hailey has shoulder length blond hair, blue eyes and weighs between 35 and 50 pounds, according to a statement issued by Maine State Police.
Police described the assault on the girl’s mother as “violent.” Deputy Chief Sanford acknowledged a knife was involved, but he did not elaborate. The woman was treated at Goodall Hospital Monday and released later that night, Connolly said.
“She was very seriously assaulted,” said Connolly.
Traynham is considered dangerous, but Connolly said police have no indication he is armed with a particular weapon.
Connolly said police received several calls Monday night of possible sightings of the truck.
“None turned up any good, investigative leads,” he said.
Maine Public Safety spokesman Steve McCausland this morning said the public is taking a keen interest in the case.
“It is anticipated that will continue. Our hope is this will end peacefully and quickly,” said McCausland.
As well as the FBI and police agencies across New England, the appropriate border authorities have been alerted, the police chief said.
Traynham was arrested on a warrant Oct. 26 charging he negotiated a worthless instrument ”“ a bad check. Connolly said Traynham has some traffic infractions and that police had been called to the residence that day for domestic issues, but at that time, the disputes were not physical in nature.
“There were domestic disagreements, but nothing like this,” said Connolly.
Both Traynham and the child’s mother have accounts on the social networking Web site Facebook.
This morning, his friends urged him to come home and release Hailey, whom both his parents referred to as “Peanut.”
“Do what’s right,” one friend urged.
Traynham and the mother of his child have been estranged for the past couple of weeks, said Sanford. He has apparently been living in Kennebunk. Police said the couple had no custody agreement.
Traynham posted a message on his girlfriend’s Facebook page Oct. 26: “Off to good ol’ work. See you and Peanut when I get home. Love ya very much. xoxo.”
Traynham, 38, is a graduate of Sanford High School.
Reached by telephone this morning, a spokeswoman said the family had no comment at this time.
The incident marks the first use of Amber Alert in Maine since it was adopted in 2008, police said.
Traynham has an older child from a previous relationship. Deputy Chief Sanford said the family had been notified.
“All I want is that little girl safe,” said Sanford.
“We’re trying to do everything we can to locate them,” said Connolly at press time. “Now, the most important thing is for someone to see him and call us.”
— Staff Writer Tammy Wells can be contacted at 324-4444 or twells@journaltribune.com. The Associated Press contributed to this report.
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