Amber Alert for two missing girls worked perfectly according to police

SALT LAKE CITY — Riverton Police say an Amber Alert worked perfectly after two sisters were found safe Sunday night. 

Riverton Police Chief Don Hutson said they issued the alert because they believed a 7-year-old was in imminent danger. That is one of the criteria for an Amber Alert.

“We take very seriously whether or not to put out an Amber Alert,” Hutson said. “You always worry and it’s your worst nightmare to think that something tragic would happen. So we felt like the right move at that point was to put out an Amber Alert.” 

The Amber Alert was issued Sunday night after hours of searching in Riverton and the surrounding areas. Police believed a 14-year-old older sister took her younger sister without permission. 

Police say the 14-year-old has stolen cars before. But they weren’t sure how well she could drive. 

And they didn’t think she could take care of herself — let alone another small child — given her age. 

“It’s really the only way that we have to reach almost everyone simultaneously,” Hutson said. “And the hope is that it will be resolved very quickly. And in this circumstance, it worked perfectly.” 

The two were found in Liberty Park 30 minutes after the alert went out. Salt Lake City Police first found the abandoned car. And then they found the girls in the park. 

“It’s always good to get kids home safe,” Hutson said.

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