WI-AMBER ALERT, Unknown 12-14 year old female, Oshkosh

[Idaho4Groenes]

Oshkosh police issue Amber Alert for missing girl

Oshkosh police are investigating what a police spokesman called a "more than probable abduction" about 10:30 a.m. of a 12- to 14-year-old girl from a north-side residential neighborhood.

Police Department spokesman Joe Nichols said police are searching for three men in an older, rursty or dirty, four-door, maroon vehicle with a back bumper with a dent. The car was driven by black male who was accompanied by two passengers, a black male and a white male.

According to witnesses, the two passengers got out of the car and grabbed the girl as she was walking eastbound on Linwood Avenue, police said.

[snip]

Police have not yet identified the girl, Nichols said. She is described as 5 feet tall and thin. She was wearing orange shorts, a pink tank top and a shiny or glossy hairband.

More: http://www.fdlreporter.com/article/20090819/FON0101/90819091/1985

[Idaho4Groenes]

NCMEC Poster: http://www.missingkids.com/missingkids/servlet/AmberExternalFCServlet?act=retAmberCase&amberId=6994

[STEADFAST]

Wow! This time they really got the Amber Alert out quickly. They may not even know who she is yet, just going by witnesses, I guess. Having the vehicle description is probably what made this AA go out so quickly.
It's such a nightmare scenario!

[Mazama]

Let's just hope they find her right away and unharmed.

Maz

[Idaho4Groenes]

I hate to even be questioning this, but I am. Every time I see "unknown victim, unknown suspects", I question it. And I hate that. I wish that people would not report false abductions for whatever sick pleasure they get out of it. There's a line here between wanting it to be real to not have another false report and wanting it to be fake so there isn't this child in danger.

I guess I'm just curious as to the statement that it is a "more than probable abduction", and yet nearly 6 hours later, they still don't know who she is.

I hope they can verify one way or the other, and that this child (if she exists) is safe.

[Mazama]

I wonder if it was an ex-boyfriend who took her with help from friends?

I get so very tired of waking up only to read more and more of these type of stories. *sigh* :frown:

Maz

[Idaho4Groenes]

According to this news report, the witness was an 11 year old boy. According to him, the girl said "Help me. Someone's trying to kidnap me." He says they tied her wrists with blue rope, and hit her in the head with a black club.

YouTube - Amber Alert issued for girl in Oshkosh

It seems like he saw a lot for a quick act. Also, no other neighbors saw or heard anything. They think the girl lives in the area, but haven't found out who she is yet? His mother belives him, but I'm not sure if I do.

[STEADFAST]

According to this news report, the witness was an 11 year old boy. According to him, the girl said "Help me. Someone's trying to kidnap me." He says they tied her wrists with blue rope, and hit her in the head with a black club.

YouTube - Amber Alert issued for girl in Oshkosh (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dHUm-KFcQv4)

It seems like he saw a lot for a quick act. Also, no other neighbors saw or heard anything. They think the girl lives in the area, but haven't found out who she is yet? His mother belives him, but I'm not sure if I do.

I'm with you.

[dreamweaver]

I'm with you.
----------------
Oh dear. I agree. This is looking like a probable hoax.
The only eyewitness is an 11 yr old boy and no one is missing a teen, no name known.?

Nothing against 11 yr old boys. I have an 11 yr old grandson and he is a great kid.

I hope more information is out soon.

[Boyz_Mum]

Part of me is glad that this is getting attention, the young man Mitchell was able to help police locate Shawn and Ben because he thought Devlin's truck didn't "belong" in the area, so I guess it's possible that this boy saw something?

The other part of me is praying it's a hoax. No more missing children is what I'd prefer. :(

[Idaho4Groenes]

Part of me is glad that this is getting attention, the young man Mitchell was able to help police locate Shawn and Ben because he thought Devlin's truck didn't "belong" in the area, so I guess it's possible that this boy saw something?

The other part of me is praying it's a hoax. No more missing children is what I'd prefer. :(

I agree with you that it is very possible that the boy saw something. Mitchell seeing something and being able to help bring Ben and Shawn home was amazing, and even he was doubted. But the major difference I see here is that Ben's parents knew he was missing shortly afterwards. In this case, it has been about 9 hours now, and still no ID on the girl.

[Idaho4Groenes]

Oshkosh police investigate abduction claim

An Oshkosh boy reported a possible abduction Wednesday morning on the city's north side. But many hours after the report, police have yet to figure out who the victim might be.

[snip]

Authorities issues an Amber Alert at 1:30pm, and that was alert was allowed to expire at 7:30pm as no new information had been gathered since the initial report.

http://www.wfrv.com/news/local/story/Oshkosh-police-investigate-abduction-claim/HzLop6PvkUCWo5NZd-ntVA.cspx

Another video at the above link, also.

[jnTexas]

Ok if the girl was from the neighborhood, and she's between 12 and 14 and he's 11. I would think they would know each other from running the streets, riding the bus together, and or school.

I hope he is telling the truth, but this one seems to much like the sisters calling 911 on the cellphone hoax.

[Hucklepie]

You would certainly think a parent would have noticed and reported their child missing by now - especially with the way Amber Alerts are publicized, I can't imagine that a child's parents would have NOT noticed all day today.

Plus - granted, I've never been kidnapped, so I guess I couldn't say for sure - I wouldn't think I'd have time or the presence of mind to yell whole "help me, I'm being kidnapped" sentences. And the kidnappers took the time to tie her wrists (out of the car, I'm assuming, if the boy saw it happen)? It just doesn't sound feasible to me.

[Idaho4Groenes]

Oshkosh police continue investigation into missing girl who may have been abducted

Police have not received any reports of missing children, but they continue to investigate the case of a 12- to 14-year-old girl who was abducted from a northside residential neighborhood Wednesday morning.

Police issued a statewide Amber Alert for the girl at 1:45 p.m. Wednesday, but the alert expired that evening. The department had not received any additional information about the girl, including her name.

“We haven’t gotten any calls, no information regarding missing children,” department spokesman Joe Nichols said at 8 p.m. Wednesday. “We’re just waiting and seeing if we do get something because you never know, it might be a couple of days down the road before something is reported.”

[snip]

A boy observed the incident and had had his mother report it to police. When contacted by The Northwestern Wednesday night, she said her family has decided not to comment because of the ongoing investigation.

http://www.postcrescent.com/article/20090819/APC0101/90819165/1979



Well, I'm glad that they are taking this seriously until proven otherwise. It's better to have the alert be false, than to not issue it for a true abduction. That being said...kind of surprising that they will wait a few days. But I do agree with you, Hucklepie, about her speaking in sentences and him seeing so much. I also found it interesting that the mother and son are now declining to comment because of the investigation...when they've already done at least 2 video interviews.

[Idaho4Groenes]

Not specifically about this possible abduction, but a lot of good info about the AMBER Alert system.

Police Receive Amber Alerts Almost Instantly

When Oshkosh police issued an Amber Alert Wednesday afternoon, law enforcement agencies throughout Northeast Wisconsin received the notice almost instantly.

The Brown County communications center is the hub of information for police in Northeast Wisconsin. Just moments after Oshkosh police issued the statewide alert, dispatchers here received the message.

"Within Brown County, if we receive the Amber Alert and it's anywhere near Brown County, it'll go out to everybody that's working," Shelly Nackers at the communications center said.

"Once dispatch gets it, within a minute or two all the squads have it," Lieutenant Jim Runge, Green Bay Police Department, said.

The second dispatchers receive the Amber Alert, they forward it directly to the squad car computers of every officer on duty in the county.

Much more: http://www.wbay.com/Global/story.asp?S=10960107

[Boyz_Mum]

Thanks Idaho4Groenes, it sounds like WI has a very proactive Amber Alert system. This "case" here seems to have been sent out quickly even without knowing who the victim is/was or even if there may not be a victim at all. I'm not sure if all states/counties have this quick of an approach?

With all the information the boy provided, it does seem like a hoax to me. It seems like police would have seen this car by now (rusty maroon with a dent in the back bumper). Not that everyone has a new car but it does seem there are less and less of older, rustier models on the roads in general?

If it's a hoax, it does take away from valuable time for LE. If the boy fabricated the story for attention or something, I sure hope he or his mom come forward and take responsibility for the boys actions.

If it's not a hoax, then I hope they find this girl!

[KaylynnCouture]

One thing I've noticed after looking over the girls poster (http://www.missingkids.com/missingkids/servlet/AmberExternalFCServlet?act=retAmberCase&amberId=6994) is that they have quite a bit of detail on the girl, and the suspects/car.

I don't know which way to look at it- either that could mean this young boy really did see something because that's an awful lot of detail to just make up. Or it could mean that it is a hoax, because of the amount of detail it would be impossible for him to see in such a short time.

I'm really torn on this case, but I really hope LE identifies this young girl soon, and finds her safe OR if this is a hoax- I hope that 11 year old gets some type of punishment by the law.

Major props go out to the police department- they did a fantastic job issuing the Amber Alert quickly, if you ask me. Great great job.

[Pegatha]

The other possibility is that it is a hoax, but not by the boy reporting it. Wasn't there a story a while back of some teenagers staging an abduction outside a mall? It is possible some kids staged this to get themselves in the news. I actually hope that is what happened rather than some poor girls was kidnapped and her family doesn't even notice she is gone.

[KaylynnCouture]

Amber Alert Expired http://www.fox11online.com/dpp/mobile/local_wluk_oshkosh_possible_abduction_of_girl_2009 08191251_rev1

Statement from the mother: Nylen's mother says Daniel has always told the truth. She doesn't doubt his story and called police as soon as he told her what he saw.

"He's very observant," Amy Nylen said. "He's always since the age of 8, he's always had a very keen sense of his surroundings in more detail than the rest of us."

[Idaho4Groenes]

Amber Alert Canceled, Teen Still Missing

An Amber Alert was canceled early Wednesday evening, however, police continue to investigate a reported abduction of a 14 year old girl in Oshkosh.

More: http://www.nbc26.com/Global/story.asp?S=10957079&nav=menu1454_1

[Idaho4Groenes]

Police still looking for missing girl
Update planned Thursday afternoon

Oshkosh police are still looking for a missing girl despite the fact that no one has been reported missing.

More: http://www.fox11online.com/dpp/news/news_wluk_oshkosh_police_looking_missing_girl_2009 08201040_rev1

[Mazama]

This is such a strange story. At this point in time, I just don't know what to think. :confused:

Maz

[believe09]

Amber Alert Expired http://www.fox11online.com/dpp/mobile/local_wluk_oshkosh_possible_abduction_of_girl_2009 08191251_rev1

Statement from the mother: Nylen's mother says Daniel has always told the truth. She doesn't doubt his story and called police as soon as he told her what he saw.

"He's very observant," Amy Nylen said. "He's always since the age of 8, he's always had a very keen sense of his surroundings in more detail than the rest of us."

Since the age of 8? Isnt that kind of a bizarre statement? No disrespect to the mother...what happened when he was 8 that she noticed this keen sense of his?

[believe09]

Regarding her alleged statement to him-"Help, I am being kidnapped" yeah it sounds hinkey, but many, many moons ago I was dragged into an alley after an armed assault and much to my good fortune there were two guys there moving furniture. I screamed-"Help me, I am being mugged" which in an of itself was peculiar given what had just happened and what was likely about to occur! To make it worse, I was new to that area of the country and the people I was speaking to looked at me like I was crazy because they had no idea what a "mugging" was, but the perp took off when he saw them thank God.

[nephers]

I don't know if this is related but thought I would share. http://www.nowpublic.com/tech-biz/amber-alert-oshawa-wi-fake-alert-spreads-twitter-sms

[Mazama]

Thursday, August 20, 2009 9:17:24 AM
Oshkosh Child
The Wisconsin Amber Alert issued on August 19, 2009, has been cancelled because a victim has not been identified for this case. The Oskhosh Police Department is continuing their investigation into this incident. All information should be sent to the Oshkosh Police Department at (920) 236-5700

http://www.amberalertwisconsin.org/

Maz

[Idaho4Groenes]

Tips coming in, but police still have no leads in abduction

Although they have received dozens of tips, Oshkosh Police Department investigators on Thursday were no closer to solving the reported abduction Wednesday of a 12- to 14-year-old girl from a northside residential neighborhood.

Officers have followed up on all of the information received, but police department spokesman Joe Nichols said there have been no missing person reports filed that match the description of the girl. Nor have any leads developed.

While police are still asking for any information about the girl, Nichols said, they also are urging anyone who may have been involved in an incident that could have been misinterpreted to contact the department and let them know.

http://www.thenorthwestern.com/article/20090821/OSH0101/908210404/1987/OSHopinion

[Boyz_Mum]

Bravo to LE for following this closely, just in case.

[Idaho4Groenes]

Not knowing girls identity played role in issuing Amber alert

Not knowing the identity of the young girl reportedly abducted Wednesday in Oshkosh played a role in state officials’ decision to issue a statewide Amber Alert in an attempt to locate the girl and determine whether she was in danger.

That same lack of information also factors into authorities still not knowing whether the girl was abducted or merely involved in an incident that was misinterpreted by a boy who witnessed the incident. Police, more than two days after the incident, had still not received a report of a missing child that fits the girl’s description.


"Having a scenario like that, where you don’t know the victim’s name or where to follow up, doing an Amber Alert is one of the only leads you have," said Craig Klyve, the director of investigative services for the state’s Division of Criminal Investigation, which issues the statewide Amber Alerts. "The flip side is if you have information about a child who may have been abducted and you don’t take the measures that you have at your disposal, it may turn out tragic."

More: http://www.thenorthwestern.com/article/20090821/OSH0101/90821130/1987

[Idaho4Groenes]

Authorities defend use of Amber Alert

Oshkosh authorities are defending their decision to issue an Amber Alert last week for an alleged child abduction, even though no one has reported a missing child.

[snip]

Craig Klyve is a spokesman for the state's Division of Criminal Investigation, which issues Amber Alerts. He says if authorities hear about a possible abduction and don't use all the tools they have, things could turn out tragic.

http://www.fox11online.com/dpp/news/news_ap_oshkosh_authorities_defend_amber_200908221 334_rev1


I don't think they should have to defend themselves. If they hadn't issued an Alert, and it had been a real abduction, that would have had horrible consequences. It's better to err on the side of caution when it comes to child abductions, IMO. If anyone has some explaining to do, it's the boy.

[Idaho4Groenes]

"The Oshkosh Police Department remains stymied in its investigation of a report last week of the abduction of a young girl from a north-side residential neighborhood.

Police continue to follow up on any information they receive, but do not have any leads about the identity or whereabouts of the girl, Oshkosh Police Capt. Kelly Kent said."

http://www.thenorthwestern.com/article/20090825/OSH0101/90825137/1987/OSHopinion

[Boyz_Mum]

I am very impressed with their continued effort.

[Idaho4Groenes]

Abduction report remains high priority for police

While the resources the Oshkosh Police Department is devoted to its investigation into the reported abduction of a young girl has decreased, police say the case remains one of the department's "high priority" investigations.

More than a week after the department began its investigation into the reported abduction, officers are still following up on any information they receive in an attempt to identify, locate or determine what happened to the girl.

[snip]

It is too early for the department to make a decision whether the incident was an abduction, an incident that was misinterpreted or did not even occur, Greuel said, and therefore the department will continue to actively investigate the case as a high priority.

http://www.thenorthwestern.com/article/20090830/OSH0101/908300348/1987

[KaylynnCouture]

I give the Oshkosh police department major props for not passing this aside and continuing to work on this case diligently.

It makes me wonder if there is something that the witness told them, or some piece of information they know, that makes this more credible than we think.

[Cherry Baby]

I guess this confuses me - wouldn't they know who this girl is? I would think that school started and they'd be pretty heads up on a kid that was missing...unless she was new to the neighborhood and not registered.

Don't mind me, I'm just thinking out loud - and probably not making any sense.

[Idaho4Groenes]

No, you're making sense Cherry. Which is why it seems kind of weird that they are still fully investigating this. Kaylynn, you may be right in that they know something we don't. It's hard to say, though.

I think what is best about this situation, is that they are using it to educate the public about the AMBER Alert system.


Amber Alerts 'err on side of caution'

[snip]

Brown County Sheriff’s Capt. Randy Schultz said he would likely have made the same decision Oshkosh officers did given the information they had at the time. Second-guessing the decision after the fact is the easy part, he said.

“If you’re tossing the coin, you have to toss it on the safe side,” Schultz said.

Time is critical on missing children cases. As time ticks by, so does the potential for a successful outcome, Schultz said.

Oshkosh’s response doesn’t create a “cry wolf” scenario, Runge said.

“If they’re putting one out once or twice a week, yeah, then it’s a problem, but in these cases you always want to err on the side of caution,” Runge said. “If they put it out and it wasn’t necessary, OK … we can deal with that. If they didn’t put it out and probably should have, that would be worse.”

http://www.greenbaypressgazette.com/article/20090901/GPG0101/90901004/1207/GPG01/Amber-Alerts-%E2%80%98err-on-side-of-caution-