Danville Police searching river for missing 12-year-old
Jul. 16—Danville Police have confirmed this morning they are searching the Vermilion River for a missing 12-year-old boy.
Around 8:11 p.m. Monday evening, two juveniles notified Danville Police that a third juvenile had gone missing in the Vermilion River near the 100 block of Commercial Street.
Danville Police immediately responded to the scene and began looking for a 12-year-old male juvenile who had reportedly been swimming near the riverbank when he was overcome by the current and pulled under the water. Danville Police searched the riverbank and were unable to locate the juvenile, according to a news release.
At approximately 8:16 p.m., Danville Police requested the assistance of the Vermilion County Sheriff's Department Dive Team. Vermilion County Deputies arrived at the scene and assisted DPD with searching the area. The Vermilion County Sheriff's Department Dive Team responded to the area with their boat and attempted to locate the juvenile.
The search was called off at approximatley 10:14 p.m. due to safety reasons surrounding the high winds and storms that hit the area, police say.
The search resumed at 8 a.m. this morning.
Danville Police along with the Vermilion County Sheriff's Department Dive Team, and the Illinois Department of Natural Resources are on the scene.
Boats and divers have been deployed at the scene and are searching the area.
Members of the public have also assisted in the search but they are being cautioned not to enter the river due to unsafe conditions.
The investigation into this incident continues and no other information is being released at this time.
Anyone who has information regarding this incident is asked to call Danville Police at (217) 431-2250. Or you can call Vermilion County Crime Stoppers at (217) 446-TIPS.
The Commercial-News has a reporter on scene and will update the community as news is available.
