An Amber Alert was issued early Sunday morning for 9-year-old Melina Galanis Frattolin, reported abducted from Lake George, New York. The alert, sent at 1:29 a.m., indicated that Melina was last seen traveling southbound in a white van on I-87 near exit 22 around 9:40 p.m. Saturday. Authorities initially reported her disappearance at 7:40 p.m., but this was corrected shortly after.
Melina is described as approximately 5 feet tall and weighing 100 pounds, of Indian descent, with brown hair and brown eyes. At the time of her abduction, she was wearing a blue and white striped shirt, shorts, and white Adidas sneakers.
New York State Police emphasized that the circumstances surrounding her abduction suggest she is in imminent danger. They requested anyone with information to contact the Warren County Sheriff’s Office at (518) 743-2501 or call 911.
This Amber Alert follows a similar situation reported in the past month, wherein it took a considerable duration for an alert to be issued regarding another missing child. Amber Alerts serve as critical tools in mobilizing public assistance swiftly in searches for abducted children, with past cases highlighting their importance in ensuring the safety of minors.
Since its implementation in 2002, New York’s Amber Alert system has aimed to leverage community involvement for quick recovery. This tragic incident underscores the urgent need for vigilance and support from the public in helping law enforcement locate missing children.
As of Sunday morning, the Lake George alert was one of two active alerts in the U.S., with a case of two missing teenagers from Idaho also ongoing.
While the situation is serious, the hope remains that with community awareness and engagement, Melina will be located safely and swiftly.