Search intensifies for 4-year-old South Carolina girl not seen in days
Law enforcement agencies across South Carolina, along with federal partners, are continuing an intensive search for 4-year-old Javeayah Harris, who was reported missing Tuesday from her family home in Aiken County, authorities said Thursday.
The Aiken County Sheriff’s Office said investigators are using “every resource available” to find the child, with search teams working on the ground and by air. Officials said helicopters and drones have been deployed, neighborhoods have been canvᴀssed, interviews are being conducted and available video footage is being collected.
So far, trained emergency management personnel and law enforcement officers have searched more than 3,000 acres using established search-and-rescue methods, the sheriff’s office said.
No volunteers requested
Authorities said they are not accepting civilian volunteers for the search, stressing that untrained people can unintentionally disrupt critical operations.
“Every second counts when we are searching for a missing child,” the sheriff’s office said, adding that improperly trained volunteers could miss clues or cause harm.
Amber Alert criteria not met
The sheriff’s office also addressed public questions about why an Amber Alert has not been issued.
Officials said the information developed so far does not meet South Carolina’s criteria for an Amber Alert. Agents with the South Carolina Law Enforcement Division, or SLED, are actively involved in the case and are prepared to issue an alert if new information meets the requirements, authorities said.
Updated description of child
Investigators also clarified earlier information about Javeayah’s condition. Initial reports suggested she might be nonverbal or autistic, but authorities said that is no longer believed to be accurate.
Her parents describe her as “smart, talkative and friendly to anyone she may meet,” according to the sheriff’s office.
Javeayah was reported missing around 8:15 p.m. Tuesday near Hillsboro Street and Ridgecrest Road, authorities said. She is described as 3 feet, 6 inches tall and about 42 pounds. She was last seen wearing pink Minnie Mouse pajamas, pink beads in her braided hair and possibly Crocs.
Officials have said she loves Minnie Mouse and likes to chase chickens, details they hope could help the public recognize her or think of places she may have gone.
Public urged to check property, share evidence
Authorities are asking residents to search their own property and check any small or hard-to-see places where a child might hide.
Anyone with information, sightings, video or pH๏τographs relevant to the investigation from June 15 through June 30 is urged to contact authorities. Tips can be reported to the Aiken County Sheriff’s Office at (803) 502-5200 or by calling 911 if the child is seen.
