VILONIA — An alert went out to parents at the Vilonia School District at about 6:15 p.m., Wednesday, saying a kindergartener was missing and asking that the community assemble at the Vilonia Elementary School to search for the child. The child had reportedly been seen on a bus coming from the Primary and also had been seen transferring at Vilonia Elementary to another bus.
The media was alerted and the child’s photo circulated on Facebook. At least 1,000 people responded, according to Vilonia Police Chief Brad McNew, and filled the parking lot at the school ready to search.
“The parking lots were full,” McNew said. “You couldn’t move around there was so many there to help. I’ve never seen anything like it. I’m glad that she was found quickly and the circumstances were good.”
About 6:30, a second call went out announcing that the child had been found safe. The child, according to McNew, rode a school bus to a house that she frequents and at which she had previously been authorized to get off the bus.
Comments (7)
Add commentFor all the jokes and barbs
For all the jokes and barbs that social media receives every now and then it shows what a powerful tool it can be. In 15 minutes a 1000 people came together to help. That's just pretty darn cool.
Cool, and Impressive
Impressive use of technology to bring local people together for an urgent cause. It is, indeed a powerful tool. Was this the Amber Alert system transmitted through local area cell phones? I am very thankful the child was found so quickly.
I'm glad this worked...
the way it did but man what would've happened if one of those people that got this alert through FB was looking to abduct the child by looking for her? Don't get me wrong I'm glad this worked out and the use of technology was great but I kinda wonder who all was able to see the posts. Great job though and glad she's safe. Technology is wonderful but can also be used in a scary way as well when some people get naive to it.
Great people in a great community
We have lived in Vilonia since 1993, was reminded in a great way yesterday why I am proud to call Vilonia and Faulkner county home. The phone alert went out at 5:47 asking volunteers to come to the elementary school, by the time that I arrived at 5:55, there were over 100 people already there to volunteer. By 6:00 that number had gone over 500, with people from Conway, Greenbrier and the rest of the county calling to see where they could help. Great job by Keith Hillman the fire chief and Brad McNew the police chief organizing all of the volunteers and to Coty Williams of the ASP getting a picture out for all of us to use. Sheriff Shock and his staff were also at the school helping. It was amazing to see that many people come together in such a short time for a purpose and to be so willing to help. A huge thanks to all those who helped.
Steve Goode
JP District 3
Cell Phones
Reverse 911 came right to my cell and let me know that the child was missing and where to meet to start the search. I was relieved to recieve the follow up call that she was all right.
"V" Town
Where lost children are quickly found!!!!!!!!!
I think they're giong by "the
I think they're giong by "the big V" now.
Point taken
I can see where a bad person might take advantage of the social media postings if they were in search of a child for bad purposes but they could sign up for Amber alert just as easy. Way more good folks flooding the area than bad ones thank goodness. It's kinda scary to have 2 pre-schoolers out of sync/missing in the same week though. I have friends with little ones in both districts and it frightens me.
99% of the time you know it's just going to be a matter of a kid getting on the wrong bus, missed communication between parents on who is picking up who or whatever. It's that 1% that nightmares are made of. I am old but I still remember, as do many Vilonia residents the disapperance of Dana Diann Mize. All we had in those days were CB radiios to spread the word . Drove many a backroad in the Vilonia area that night. Sad outcome. Electronic media is much faster and broader now and maybe, just maybe might make a difference