A young girl who vanished while camping has been found alive. A suspect allegedly involved in her disappearance is in custody.
Charlotte Sena, a nine-year-old girl who vanished while camping with her family, has been found alive.
A 51-year-old male suspect allegedly involved in her disappearance is in custody.
New York State Police said Charlotte Sena was “in good health”.
Charlotte Sena had been last seen riding her bike with friends in Moreau Lake State Park in Saratoga County, New York at 6.15pm Saturday (local time).
The male suspect allegedly left a ransom note at Charlotte’s family’s home. Authorities said they found fingerprints on the note, which helped them locate the suspect.
The suspect also reportedly has a criminal history involving sexual abuse, according to the Albany Times-Union.
Police, who appeared to be SWAT team members, raided a property in the town of Milton, about 20km away from where Charlotte lived with her family.
The Times Union reports Charlotte may have been found in “some type of trailer” on the property.
She is being evaluated at a nearby hospital.
New York Governor Kathy Hochul said she was “overjoyed” the girl had been found safe.
“Our hearts are with her family as they welcome her home.
“Thank you to the New York State Police, New York Park Police and all who worked so tirelessly to find Charlotte. It is because of their efforts that Charlotte will be able to return home safe to her family.”
‘Imminent danger’
Police earlier warned she could be in “imminent danger”.
The girl was described as being 4”6, weighing around 40kg, with blonde hair and green eyes. She was wearing an orange tie-dye Pokémon shirt, dark blue pants, black Crocs, and a Gray bike helmet, The US Sun reports.
Charlotte Sena, nine, was suspected of having been abducted following her disappearance from Moreau Lake State Park. Picture: Facebook
She was riding a bike with other children at a campsite before heading out on her own. She hasn’t been seen since.
Her family became worried when she didn’t return and notified police her began a search within 15 minutes of being contacted.
The entire campsite soon joined in the hunt for the girl.
“The scene was chaotic with people leaving their tables, and everyone joining the search and calling the name Charlotte,” Ms Hochul said.
An Amber Alert was issued on Sunday and police say Charlotte was likely abducted.
“The child was taken under circumstances that lead police to believe that they are in imminent danger of serious harm and/or death,” the alert stated.
Charlotte Sena, nine, is suspected of having been abducted following her disappearance from Moreau Lake State Park early Saturday evening. Picture: Facebook
Information Officer Stephanie O’Neil said: “She is a highly intelligent, adventurous 9-year-old — but obviously this is out of character for her.”
Governor Hochul said: “It’s a very hard time for her family.
“We are leaving no stone, no table, no branch underturned, untouched, unexamined in our search to find Charlotte.”
The girl’s mother Trisha Sena made a heartfelt plea for her return.
“I just want my daughter back,” she plead to local news.
In a statement Charlotte’s family said: “We just want her returned safely like any parent would. No tip is too small, please call if you know anything at all.”
Moreau Lake State Park has been closed and will remain so until further notice.
Members of the public have been asked to stay away while the search continues.
“Be respectful of our current situation. Please do not come to the park… Leave all the searching to the professionals,” a spokesman for the park stated.
About 100 civilians and 75 law officers were deployed to search for Charlotte, along with a drone, diver and a helicopter.
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