Cook County Sheriff shares information on “criteria” for Amber Alerts

All across the Midwest, the public was shocked and saddened by the murder of Lily Peters in Chippewa Falls, Wisconsin. People were also puzzled when Chippewa Falls police said Lily’s disappearance on April 24 didn’t meet the criteria for the enactment of an Amber Alert.

Lily went missing in the evening after leaving her aunt’s house to go home. Her father called the police and a search was launched. Her bicycle was found in the woods near the path she was taken home. Lily’s body was found the next day. A juvenile suspect has been arrested and remains in custody.

WTIP checked in with Cook County Sheriff Pat Eliasen to learn more about the criteria for an Amber Alert, which is a federal law enforcement program. WTIP also asked about the protocol for local law enforcement when a missing child is reported.

Here’s WTIP’s Rhonda Silence, speaking with Sheriff Eliasen about this somber subject.

Rhonda Silence May 16, 2022