Texas Amber Alert: Missing Audrii Cunningham from Livingston didn't get on school bus
LIVINGSTON, Texas - An Amber Alert has been issued for an 11-year-old girl who didn't get on the school bus in her Livingston-area neighborhood on Thursday morning, officials say.
Authorities are searching for 11-year-old Audrii Cunningham, who was reported to have last been seen around 7 a.m. near her home in the 100 block of Lakeside Drive.
Texas DPS reports they are actively searching for Audrii and have identified persons of interest.
Texas DPS Lieutenant Craig Cummings says the area they are searching is a location of interest and authorities will continue the search on Saturday.
According to the Polk County Sheriff's Office, Audrii was supposed to have caught the school bus in her neighborhood, but school officials say the bus didn't pick her up and she never made it to school.
On Friday afternoon, law enforcement officers from several agencies converged near Lake Livingston off of FM 3278.
In an update around 1:30 p.m., Texas DPS Lt. Craig Cummings said investigators were actively following leads, which is why they were gathered at the location. They are searching the water by boat, and they also have dogs searching the area.
"We’ve got boats that are in the water, and we’ve also got dogs that are down there as well. Our hope is that with all the equipment that we are bringing in, that we can bring her home safely," said Lt. Cummings.
He also said that investigators were speaking with some persons of interest.
The Polk County Sheriff's Office is being assisted by the Texas Ranger Division, Department of Public Safety, Livingston Police Department, Texas State Guard, and several local fire departments.
"Tomorrow we’re going to have additional resources that will be on hand to help find Audrey and I want to reiterate that we are committed to bringing Audrri home," said Lt. Cummings.
United in hope, the Polk County and San Jacinto County communities are rallying together to ensure the 11-year-old's safe return.
"I’m just scared. I’m praying and hoping they find her. It’s very scary. I couldn’t imagine what the mother is going through or the father," said Kelly Coates, a resident in San Jacinto County.
Audrii is described as a white female, 4'1" tall, 75 pounds, with blond hair and blue eyes. She was last seen wearing a black hoodie with white lettering, black pants, and black high-top tennis shoes. She had a bright red "Hello Kitty" backpack.
If you have any information on where Audrii is, contact the Polk County Sheriff's Office at (936) 327-6810 or call 911.