Yesterday's scare in San Jose sent patrol cars and neighbors into action after a 13-year-old girl was reported missing and the California Highway Patrol issued an endangered-missing advisory. Ava White was last seen at about 5 PM near Mich Bluff Drive and Turrett Drive, wearing a black sweatshirt, black sweatpants, and black shoes, authorities said. The alert helped mobilize officers across Santa Clara County, and officials say the girl has since been located.
According to SFGATE via Bay City News Service, the CHP described White as 5 feet 3 inches tall and about 95 pounds, with brown hair and brown eyes, and said she was believed to be on foot. The advisory urged anyone with information to call 911.
How the alert system works
The CHP’s Emergency Notification and Tactical Alert Center, known as ENTAC, coordinates statewide missing-person advisories and can activate regional alerts on behalf of local agencies when specific criteria are met. The State of California Missing Alert Plan lists Endangered Missing advisories alongside AMBER, Silver and other alert categories as tools to move critical information quickly to the public and law enforcement. The California Highway Patrol explains how these alerts are requested and coordinated on its website.
Update: located
SFGATE later updated its reporting to note that the CHP confirmed the girl had been found. That update did not include any details about her condition or where she was located. We will monitor for official statements from San Jose police or the CHP and update this story if new information is released.
Alerts in San Jose have become common
CHP advisories are becoming a familiar sight for San Jose residents, who have been repeatedly asked to help keep an eye out for missing or endangered people. For example, an Ebony Alert for a missing 12-year-old in December drew broad attention and local concern. Hoodline coverage of recent alerts shows the system has become a regular tool for agencies looking to get timely information to residents and commuters.
What to do if you see someone
Law enforcement agencies stress that anyone with information about a missing or endangered person should call 911 immediately. The state’s missing-alert plan, maintained by the California Highway Patrol, outlines how those tips move through the notification and coordination process once an alert is active. We will update this story when officials provide further details.
