GARY, Ind. — Police have asked for help from the public in the search for a missing Gary teenager.
The Gary Police Department is investigating the disappearance of Ja’Niyah McMichael.
McMichael, 13, is 4 feet, 3 inches tall and weighs 101 pounds. She has black hair and brown eyes and was last seen wearing a black hooded sweatshirt, black pajamas and black and red shoes.
She is missing from Gary and was last seen on Sunday, Aug. 11, 2024 at 11:00 p.m. She is believed to be in extreme danger and may require medical assistance.
If you have any information, you're asked to contact the Gary Police Department at 219-881-1201 or call 911.
Amber Alert vs. Silver Alert: What's the difference?
There are specific standards a person's disappearance must meet in order for police to declare an Amber Alert or a Silver Alert.
Amber Alerts are for children under the age of 18 who are believed to have been abducted and in danger. Police also need to have information about a suspect and their car to issue an Amber Alert.
Silver Alerts are for missing and endangered adults or children. They are much more common for missing people. It was not until last year when the standards for Silver Alerts were expanded to include children.
In both situations, these alerts must be issued by police.