An AMBER Alert is rippling across western Wisconsin for 8-year-old Irene Lentz of Wautoma after she was last seen on Friday, and authorities say they are deeply concerned for her safety. State and local law enforcement have shared the child’s photo and vehicle details across the region as the search intensifies, urging anyone who spots the car or recognizes the people involved to contact police immediately, as reported by WMTV.
What the Alert Says
According to WMTV, Irene is an 8-year-old white female with brown hair and hazel eyes. The AMBER Alert states she may be with 44-year-old Joseph A. Nicpon Jr. and 34-year-old Betty J. Lentz. Authorities say they are believed to be traveling in a navy-blue 2005 Buick Terreza with Wisconsin license plate BCU3028, which was last seen heading westbound on I-90 near Sparta just before 1 p.m. on Friday.
Who Authorities Are Looking For
FOX6 Milwaukee reports that Wautoma police responded to a Facebook post confirming that Nicpon is a registered sex offender, and the station notes that the FBI is assisting the investigation. FOX6 describes Nicpon as about 6 feet tall with brown hair and green eyes, and Betty Lentz as about 5-foot-3 with brown hair and brown eyes. The outlet also reports that the vehicle has a Monster energy-style sticker visible in the rear passenger window.
Where the Vehicle Was Last Seen and How to Help
WBAY and other outlets report that traffic cameras captured the Buick traveling west on I-90 in Monroe County near Sparta at around 12:55 p.m. Friday. Authorities are asking that anyone who sees the vehicle, recognizes the individuals shown in released images, or has any information that could help the case call the Wautoma Police Department at 920-787-3321 or dial 911. Officials emphasize that members of the public should not approach the vehicle or its occupants and should instead immediately notify law enforcement.
How AMBER Alerts Work in Wisconsin
Per the Wisconsin Department of Justice, AMBER Alerts are activated when a child under 18 is believed to be in imminent danger and there is enough descriptive information about the child, suspect, or vehicle to assist in locating them. The DOJ coordinates these alerts with broadcasters, state agencies, and the National Center for Missing & Exploited Children to spread critical details as quickly and widely as possible.
