Urgent: AMBER Alert Issued for Missing 9-Year-Old Durham Boy
Durham, NC, July 26, 2024 — Authorities have issued an AMBER Alert for a missing 9-year-old boy from Durham, North Carolina. The boy, whose name is Ethan Carter, was last seen on July 25th in his neighborhood, and his sudden disappearance has sparked a widespread search and urgent appeal for public assistance.
Details of the Disappearance
Ethan was last seen around 4:00 PM near his home in the northern part of Durham. He was reportedly playing outside when he vanished, leaving his family and neighbors deeply concerned. Ethan is described as approximately 4 feet 5 inches tall, weighing about 70 pounds, with brown hair and green eyes. He was last seen wearing a blue T-shirt, black shorts, and red sneakers.
Key Identifiers:
- Name: Ethan Carter
- Age: 9 years old
- Height: 4’5″
- Weight: 70 lbs
- Hair: Brown
- Eyes: Green
- Clothing: Blue T-shirt, black shorts, red sneakers
Law Enforcement Response
The Durham Police Department has mobilized all available resources to locate Ethan. They have set up a command center in the area and are working in coordination with the North Carolina State Bureau of Investigation (NCSBI). The AMBER Alert was issued late on July 25th after initial search efforts failed to locate the boy.
“We are doing everything in our power to bring Ethan home safely,” said Durham Police Chief Patrice Andrews. “We urge anyone with information, no matter how small it may seem, to come forward immediately.”
Public Appeal and Community Involvement
The issuance of the AMBER Alert has galvanized the local community, with numerous volunteers joining the search efforts. Local businesses and residents have been distributing flyers, and social media platforms have been flooded with posts sharing Ethan’s description and appealing for information.
How the Public Can Help:
- Contact Authorities: Anyone with information on Ethan’s whereabouts is urged to call 911 or the Durham Police Department at (919) 560-4600.
- Share Information: Spread the word through social media and community networks to ensure that as many people as possible are aware of the situation.
- Stay Vigilant: Be alert and report any suspicious activity or potential sightings of Ethan immediately.
Nationwide Alert
The AMBER Alert has also been disseminated through the National Center for Missing & Exploited Children (NCMEC), ensuring that the alert reaches a wide audience. The NCMEC has a network that allows for the rapid distribution of alerts across various platforms, including digital billboards, media outlets, and social media.
Family’s Plea
Ethan’s parents, John and Lisa Carter, made an emotional plea during a press conference held this morning. “We just want our boy back home safe,” said Lisa Carter through tears. “If anyone knows anything, please help us. Ethan, if you can hear this, we love you so much and we are doing everything to find you.”
Safety Tips for Parents
In light of Ethan’s disappearance, authorities are reminding parents and guardians to discuss safety strategies with their children, including:
- Stranger Danger: Teach children to avoid interactions with strangers and to run and seek help if approached.
- Buddy System: Encourage children to play and travel in groups.
- Emergency Contacts: Ensure children know how to contact a trusted adult in case of an emergency.
Conclusion
The entire Durham community is united in the effort to find Ethan Carter and bring him home safely. The AMBER Alert remains active, and the search continues with the hope of a positive resolution.
For real-time updates and more information, follow the Durham Police Department on Twitter and check the National Center for Missing & Exploited Children website.
Contact Information:
- Durham Police Department: (919) 560-4600
- North Carolina State Bureau of Investigation: (919) 662-4500
