A beautiful spring evening turned frightening Sunday when a mother called police to say her 6-year-old daughter had disappeared near the Red River in Fargo's Lindenwood Park.
All on-duty police officers were called in to look for the girl, and the Moorhead Fire Department launched inflatable boats to search the river.
Around 8:45 p.m., approximately 30 minutes after authorities were called, Fargo police were informed that the girl's uncle had left the park with his niece without informing other family members.
"This is something we come across quite often," police Sgt. Mathew Sanders said, referring to a lack of communication that sometimes occurs within families.
Sanders said a group of relatives had gotten together at the park and adults took turns watching the children.
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The alarm went up when the girl's aunt reported she turned away for a moment and when she looked back the girl was gone, Sanders said.
Moorhead Fire Chief Joel Hewitt, who was monitoring the situation on the Minnesota side of the river, expressed relief when word spread that the girl was safe.
"So, a good outcome," Hewitt said.
Readers can reach Forum reporter Dave Olson at (701) 241-5555
