The Milwaukee Police Department has confirmed the safe return of a missing 7-year-old boy, leading to the cancellation of an Amber Alert that had been issued for his disappearance. The boy was reportedly last seen near 61st and Hustis on Friday night before being taken at gunpoint outside his home around 7 PM.
After an intense search that lasted close to 24 hours, family members and community supporters were relieved to hear that the child had been found safe. A 25-year-old man has been arrested in connection with the case, and charges will be forwarded to the Milwaukee County District Attorney’s Office.
Family members expressed their emotional turmoil during the search, noting the difficulty in coping with the unknown. Nikki Herrington, the boy’s cousin, shared their collective anxiety, stating, “We haven’t been able to eat, we haven’t been able to sleep. We’ve been crying off and on.” However, the mood shifted dramatically when the news broke of the boy’s safe return, prompting celebrations among family and friends.
The Milwaukee police had indicated that the boy was taken in a white Jeep Renegade before he was discovered near 39th and Lloyd. Community efforts were pivotal; the family highlighted that the sharing of the boy’s story played a significant role in the search. “He’s home, he’s safe… it’s very rare that you get an outcome like this,” said Herrington.
Additionally, surveillance footage has emerged from a doorbell camera showing a child matching the description of the missing boy, with accompanying video evidence of a white SUV similar to the suspect’s vehicle. However, police have yet to confirm the specifics of this footage.
This incident, while distressing, showcases the power of community engagement in times of crisis and highlights the importance of quick action from law enforcement. The successful outcome reinforces hope and resilience in the face of adversity.