A statewide Amber Alert has been issued in Delaware after a 3-year-old girl was reportedly abducted at gunpoint in New Castle County on Saturday morning, according to police.
The Delaware State Police are urgently searching for a girl named Elaina Irwin. Officials say she was taken during a violent domestic-related incident that took place around 10:45 a.m. in the 500 block of South DuPont Highway in New Castle.
According to investigators, Elaina was last seen with her biological father, 39-year-old Matthew Irwin, who is suspected of taking the child by force during a dispute involving a weapon. Police say he is believed to be armed and dangerous.
The child’s abduction reportedly occurred while she was with her mother. The suspect allegedly pointed a gun during the incident before taking the girl and fleeing the area in a vehicle.
Elaina Irwin is described as a white female, approximately 3 years old, with brown hair and blue eyes. She was last seen wearing a purple shirt and pink pants.
Matthew Irwin, the suspect, is described as a white male with brown hair and brown eyes. He is about 6 feet tall and weighs around 190 pounds. Authorities have identified the getaway vehicle as a maroon Ford Explorer with Delaware registration plate PC246109.
Officials are urging anyone who sees the child, the suspect, or the vehicle to call 911 immediately. They are warning the public not to approach the suspect, as he may be armed.
As of now, the Amber Alert remains active across Delaware. Police departments across the state have been alerted, and digital signs on highways have been updated with details about the suspect and the vehicle.
Amber Alerts are issued in cases where law enforcement believes a child has been abducted and is in immediate danger. These alerts are shared widely through news outlets, electronic billboards, and mobile phone notifications to reach the public quickly.
Delaware State Police say they are working with local agencies and law enforcement in neighboring states to widen the search. Investigators are reviewing surveillance footage and speaking with witnesses in the area where the abduction occurred.
This incident has sparked concern among residents in New Castle County, especially since the abduction happened in broad daylight. Several residents have taken to social media to share the Amber Alert and offer help in locating the child.
The authorities are urging the public to stay alert and report any sightings or suspicious activity. Even the smallest detail can make a difference in locating Elaina safely and bringing the suspect into custody.
Anyone with information about the incident is asked to contact the Delaware State Police at 302-365-8441 or call 911 immediately. Tips can also be submitted anonymously through Delaware Crime Stoppers.
As of now, there is no official update on the child’s whereabouts, and police are treating the situation as critical.
Amber Alerts are an important tool in missing children cases. The system has helped in recovering hundreds of children over the years. In this case, law enforcement hopes the quick alert will lead to Elaina’s safe return.
The investigation is ongoing, and updates will be shared as more information becomes available.
For now, the public is urged to remain aware and cooperate with authorities. Sharing the Amber Alert on social media and looking out for the suspect vehicle could help bring this child home safely.