A surge in the number of missing children in one Midwest state is sparking panic among parents.
A total of 21 juveniles disappeared in August alone, data from local police and the state’s missing persons register showed.
By midway through the month, a staggering 11 children had vanished in North Dakota.
A further nine children aged between 13 and 16-years-old were reported missing as of August 27, Newsweek and The Forum reported.
On Saturday, 12-year-old Olivia Johnson from Fargo became the 21st missing child. Police issued an alert urging the public to look out for her.
She was last seen wearing a black t-shirt, black shorts and was wearing a cream colored backpack.
So far ten children have been located, but fears remain over those still unaccounted for.
Chief Agent Steven Harstad of the North Dakota Bureau of Criminal Investigation encourages parents to view children who have run away as missing persons and to take it seriously.
On Saturday, 12-year-old Olivia Johnson from Fargo became the 21st missing child. Police issued an alert urging the public to look out for her
Kartor Stewart, 16, was last seen on August 24. His case is being investigated by the Grand Forks Police Department
Angel Peltier, 15, was last seen on August 10. His case is being investigated by the Minot Police Department
He stated, ‘There’s no such thing as a runaway, especially when it comes to children; we are therefore observing an increase in missing persons reports, including those of youngsters.’
The North Dakota Office of the Attorney General currently has nine missing children listed, five of whom vanished in August.
Brayden Desjarlais, 16, was last seen on August 21. His case is being investigated by the Minot Police Department.
Grand Forks Police Department confirmed it is still hunting for Kartor Stewart, 16, who was last seen on August 24.
The missing person database also lists Elaxander Greywater, 16. He was last seen on August 25 according to the Bismarck Police Department.
Two children who went missing earlier this month, nine-year-old Naara Juarez Perez and 15-year-old Angel Peltier, still have not been found
The cases of Gabriel Tapia and Jaxton Counts, aged 13 and 14 respectively, have been removed from the missing person’s database, although their locations remain unknown.
Others who were delisted from the database include 14-year-old Dystiny Rivers, 16-year-old Courtney Garcia-Rollness and 16-year-old Alexa Taylor.
Authorities in North Dakota have located 10 runaway juveniles this month (Pictured: Chief Agent Steven Harstad of the North Dakota Bureau of Criminal Investigation)
Elijah Whitelightning, a 15-year-old American Indian boy, still hasn’t been found after being declared missing on November 21, 2024
Others who were delisted from the database include 14-year-old Dystiny Rivers, 16-year-old Courtney Garcia-Rollness and 16-year-old Alexa Taylor.
Daily Mail approached the attorney general’s office for comment on the status of these five children..
And Elijah Whitelightning, a 15-year-old American Indian boy, still hasn’t been found after being declared missing on November 21, 2024.
About half of the children who have been deemed missing this month are Indigenous.
‘I’m not sure it’s a problem we can fully resolve, given the varied reasons such as substance abuse, mental health issues, and family problems,’ Harstad remarked.
‘Nonetheless, disseminating this information is positive, as greater visibility enhances awareness of the number of children in difficult circumstances or those trying to escape them, as well as those who may put themselves in risky situations by leaving.’
Anyone who has information about a child reported missing in the state can contact the agency investigating the disappearance.
