WESTMINSTER, Colo. — An 11-year-old Westminster girl who was the subject of an AMBER Alert has been found safe, and her family released a statement Wednesday.
She was last seen around 3:30 p.m. Tuesday. She was reported missing Tuesday evening, and an AMBER Alert was issued Wednesday morning.
More than a dozen agencies assisted in the search, but investigators say it was a tip from a resident that provided information which led them to locate her in unincorporated Jefferson County.
After she was found, her family released a statement via the Westminster Police Department.
"We are so grateful to have [our daughter] home and safe," the family statement said. "We would request privacy. It is very comforting to know that families like ours are supported by a close-knit community and overwhelming response from the Westminster Police Department along with all the other first responder agencies who step up to help. We just want to offer the biggest thanks to all who helped us in a time of need."
Police were talking to neighbors on Wednesday morning in their search for her. She left her house in the area of 107th Avenue and Newcombe Street about 3:30 p.m. Tuesday, according to Westminster Police (WPD). She told her mother she was going to Countryside Park.
Westminster activated its Code Red emergency notification system to alert the community about the girl's disappearance Tuesday evening. Overnight, officers searched the neighborhood and put out requests for any video residents or businesses might have.
Lakes and parks in the area were searched. Police also used drones and FLIR thermal cameras to check the neighborhood. Fliers were left at all businesses that were open. A bloodhound was also utilized to search the immediate area.
Police also spoke with her friends and extended family members in an effort to locate her.
The Colorado Bureau of Investigation (CBI) can issue AMBER Alerts at the request of law enforcement agencies.
The criteria for an AMBER Alert are below:
- The abducted child must be 17 years of age or younger.
- The abducted child must be in immediate danger of serious bodily harm or death.
- There must be enough descriptive information available to believe a broadcast will assist or aid in the recovery.
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