New York State authorities are intensifying their search for 9-year-old Charlotte Sena after she was reportedly abducted from Moreau Lake State Park in Saratoga County on Saturday night. The park, situated roughly 50 miles north of Albany, was the last place Charlotte was seen around 6:15 p.m.
The young girl was described as wearing an orange tie-dye Pokémon shirt, dark blue pants, black Crocs, and donning a gray bike helmet. Standing at 4 feet 6 inches and weighing 90 pounds, Charlotte has blond hair. The police provided these details, aiming to expedite her search.
Amber Alert Activated
Sunday morning saw the activation of an Amber Alert by the State Police, which was explicitly for a child abduction that purportedly took place at 6:45 p.m. on Saturday. The alert underscored the severe nature of her disappearance, stating that the circumstances of her abduction led authorities to believe she was in "imminent danger of serious harm and/or death."
In a press briefing, Lt. Col. Richard Mazzone informed the media about their extensive search efforts within the park, emphasizing that evidence was suggesting a potential abduction. The Sena family expressed their anguish, pleading with the public in a statement: "We just want her returned safely, like any parent would. No tip is too small; please call if you know anything at all."
Providing insights into the fateful evening, Governor Kathy Hochul explained that Charlotte had been cycling around Loop A of the park accompanied by family friends. Not long before she vanished, she had expressed her desire to circle the loop once more on her own. A mere 15 minutes after she embarked on her solo ride, her parents, alarmed by her absence, initiated a search. The evening saw her bicycle discovered on the loop by 6:45 p.m. A panic-stricken call was made to 911 by her mother just two minutes later, notifying them of her missing status. Within 15 minutes, state police officers were at the crime scene, the governor said.
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Massive Search Operation
Detailing the scale of the search operations, Gov. Hochul remarked that a force comprising more than 100 personnel, inclusive of 75 law enforcement officers, was tirelessly searching for Charlotte. Resources deployed include dogs, drones, boats, and specialized underwater rescue teams. An official command post has been set up at the state park to coordinate efforts.
On the technological front, experts are working to scrutinize any communications within the park during the period of Charlotte's disappearance. While Lt. Col. Mazzone held back further information, the determination to locate Charlotte is palpable.
Governor Hochul, expressing deep empathy, shared her interaction with the distraught parents of Charlotte. "As a mother and as a grandmother, I cannot imagine the pain they're going through," she said, recounting the parents' description of their cheerful daughter, a spirited fourth-grader recently elected as a class officer.
Urging the public to be vigilant and assist in the search, the governor said, "Hearts are broken here today in New York. Hopefully, there will be a reunion. Hopefully, there will be a family that has been traumatized but reunited."
Anyone with any information or potential sightings of Charlotte Sena is strongly encouraged to dial 911 immediately.
