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WESTMINSTER, Colo. (KDVR) — An 11-year-old girl was found safe in unincorporated Jefferson County after missing since Tuesday afternoon.

The Westminster Police Department said a tip provided information that led them to her location.

The girl told her mother around 3:30 p.m. Tuesday that she was going to Countryside Park and had not been seen since, according to WPD.

WPD used all available resources in the search for the girl including K-9, drone, and open field searches. The Jefferson County Child Abduction Response Team was activated on Wednesday morning to help in the search.

WPD did a door-to-door search of the neighborhood where she was last seen. Police thanked the community for its patience while the search was conducted.

An Amber Alert was issued at 10:30 a.m Wednesday for the girl. The criteria to prompt an alert is:

  • The abducted child must be 17 years of age or younger
  • The abducted child must be in immediate danger of serious bodily harm or death
  • There must be enough descriptive information available to believe a broadcast will assist or aid in the recovery

FOX31 notified neighbor Bruce Wilson shortly after police announced the girl was found safe. Wilson said he helped watch her two younger siblings as police and loved ones searched for her.

“This is the best news we’ve heard all day and that’s ultimately the outcome we wanted,” Wilson said. “It is a sigh of relief because we were definitely hoping for the best and this is the best outcome we could have.”

The family released a statement after she was located:

We are so grateful to have (her) home and safe. We would request privacy. It is very comforting to know that families like ours are supported by a close-knit community and overwhelming response from the Westminster Police Department along with all the other first responder agencies who step up to help. We just want to offer the biggest thanks to all who helped us in a time of need.

– AMBER Alert subject’s family

Police said no further information will be released but continue to investigate the incident.