The Amber Alert issued last night has been cancelled. The subject of the alert was located safe within the City of North Battleford. The child was found at approximately 6:45 a.m. and is being provided with medical attention at this time. Saskatchewan RCMP wish to thank the public and the media for their assistance in this matter.

Further updates will be provided as they become available later this morning.

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Saskatchewan RCMP investigators continue the search for 6-year-old Emma O�Keeffe and the Amber Alert relating to her abduction remains in effect and has been extended into Manitoba and Alberta.  Emma was secured in her car seat when the 2010 Mercedes GL350 SUV with Saskatchewan license plate 897 HMX she was in was stolen from in front of a strip mall on 11204 Railway AVE in North Battleford.  The SUV was parked at the strip mall running when it was stolen.  The identity of the suspect remains unknown and the stolen vehicle has not been located.  Investigators have confirmed this is not a case of parental abduction. 

Emma was last seen wearing a navy blue, long-sleeved shirt, black jeans and pink socks.  She was not wearing shoes at the time of the abduction. 

Investigators are extremely concerned for Emma's safety.  Emma is autistic and does not speak.  She has epilepsy and requires assistance to exit a vehicle on her own.  Investigators have clarified with family members that Emma can walk, however, while walking she will appear unsteady on her feet and has the tendency to fall on uneven ground.  Her family report she may not respond if someone calls her name.  Additionally, Emma requires medication to be taken every twelve hours and missing a dose could lead to extreme medical distress or possibly death.  She requires assistance eating and has a stomach tube which she uses for fluid intake and the administering of medication.

Immediately after the abduction was reported, RCMP officers from the surrounding areas began immediate patrols and information was shared with investigators across the province and in neighbouring jurisdictions.  Highly trained investigators have been deployed to the North Battleford�s area and the RCMP Major Crime Unit is leading the investigation. 

Additional resources have been deployed to assist with the investigation, including additional officers to conduct targeted patrols.  A helicopter from Alberta RCMP and airplane from Saskatchewan RCMP are on standby in the event a search location is identified. 

Investigators continue to ask gas stations across western Canada to be on the lookout for the stolen SUV.  This vehicle requires diesel fuel and may attempt to stop to fill up with more fuel.  Investigators have confirmed the stolen vehicle does not have any GPS capability.  Call 911 immediately if you see, or think you have seen, the vehicle.

Tips continue to be received, however, none have led to the identification of a suspect, direction of travel for the stolen vehicle or any confirmed sightings.  Investigators are asking the public to be vigilant and continue looking for Emma.  Anyone with information is asked to call 911 immediately.

Investigators would like the person who stole the SUV to know there is a way to ensure Emma is safe and ask them to drop Emma off at a hospital so she can get the health care she needs.

Emma's family has asked us to share a video with the public and media.

 

 

 

This is an activation of the AMBER ALERT system at the request of North Battleford RCMP.

The victim is: Emma O’Keeffe, a 6-year-old female. She is Caucasian, 3 feet, 6 inches tall, weighs 44 lbs. She has brown, jaw-length hair. She was last seen wearing a navy-blue, long sleeve t-shirt, black jeans, pink socks, no shoes, wearing a diaper.

Emma suffers from epilepsy and autism. She is non-verbal and unable to walk.

At this time, police have no description of the suspect.

The abduction is believed to have occurred outside a strip mall at 11204 Railway Ave. North Battleford, Saskatchewan

The suspect is believed to be driving a dark grey 2010, Mercedes Benz GL350 Bluetec SUV with Saskatchewan license plate 897 HMX. The direction of travel is unknown at this time.

If you have information about this child, call 911 or 1-877-SOAMBER or 1-877-762-6237 or e-mail fdiv_amber_alert@rcmp-grc.gc.ca ^km

***Investigators have also found out that the 6-year-old requires medication on a strict 12 hour schedule. Missing a dose could lead to extreme medical distress.

Investigators also want to inform gas stations across western Canada to be on the look out for the vehicle described above as it will need to fill up on fuel.

The alert has been extended from Alberta to Manitoba.

Further updates to come.***