Pocono News Section

Kidnapping Suspect Sentenced/ Amber Alert Awareness

Kidnapping Suspect Sentenced/ Amber Alert Awareness - Wednesday, January 13, 2010 at 5:53PM EST

Reported by: Jeremy Deebel
Wednesday, Jan 13, 2010 @ 05:53pm EST
Montoursville, Lycoming County-

Law enforcement officials are observing National Amber Alert Awareness Day. It comes one day after a man was sentenced in Williamsport for kidnapping his son.

But just how aware of the Amber Alert system is the average person? We set out to learn whether or not people in our area really understand what it’s all about.

So, we hit the streets of Montoursville and started asking.

Susan Sheehan, of Williamsport, explained, "When a child is missing and they think they know who took them- have a description of the vehicle- it goes out to people so they can be alert and help them get the child back where it needs to be."

A near-textbook definition, but how do authorities get the word out?

Erik Mothersbaugh, of Montoursville, said, "I know I was driving to work one day I saw it up on a big billboard on the way, one of those big ones where they flash the different advertisements. I've seen them on the construction zone signs, flashing the messages."

They also use various forms of media.

The Amber Alert system was instrumental in the arrest of Johnnie Alexander Drummond, who kidnapped his son last October.

Lycoming County Chief Detective William Weber noted, "Through the Amber Alert system, we got numerous tips throughout the community. And those tips actually helped us apprehend him."

Drummond was sentenced Tuesday to 5-10 years in state prison on robbery and kidnapping charges.

So it seems the system works. In fact, about 500 children have been rescued nationwide since the Amber Alert system was created in 1996.

Sheehan added, "I think it's effective. I think it's definitely useful. I've got two children. If they were gone, I'd want everybody looking for them."

In addition to posting Amber Alerts on television, radio stations, billboards, and construction signs along the highway, the alerts can be sent directly to your cell phone by signing up online.

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The Amber Alert system got its start in response to the abduction and brutal murder of 9-year-old Amber Hagerman in Texas in 1996.

It was established in Pennsylvania in 2002.