WESTMINSTER, Colo. — An 11-year-old Westminster girl who was the subject of an Amber Alert has been found and is safe, authorities announced Wednesday.
The girl was reported missing Tuesday afternoon and an Amber Alert was issued Wednesday morning. The alert was deactivated after the girl was located in unincorporated Jefferson County following a tip from a citizen, the Westminster Police Department said.
The department said the girl is safe and with law enforcement. The police department released a statement from her family on Wednesday afternoon and said it would not be releasing more information at this time, citing the ongoing investigation.
“We are so grateful to have Lilly home and safe. We would request privacy. It is very comforting to know that families like ours are supported by a close-knit community and overwhelming response from the Westminster Police Department along with all the other first responder agencies who step up to help,” the family said. “We just want to offer the biggest thanks to all who helped us in a time of need.”
The girl's mother reported her missing and explained to police that her daughter had left their home, located along the 10700 block of Newcombe Street, around 3:30 p.m. to go to Countryside Park, which is roughly half a mile away. Her mom said she was told to check in at home, but never did.
Officers searched the neighborhood overnight and used drones, a bloodhound, and thermal cameras. Authorities were asking residents in the area to check any outdoor surveillance video to see if it included the girl and to submit it on the Westminster Police Department website.
Officers began a door-to-door search Wednesday morning. Broomfield police helped with their K-9 units and Westminster police has its Child Abduction Response Team (CART) involved.
The Amber Alert was issued by the Colorado Bureau of Investigation at 10:30 a.m. Wednesday.
