The police yesterday said that two persons of interest — a male and a female – were in custody assisting with the disappearance of nine-year-old Chantel Crump.
“We have also recovered the vehicle that was reportedly involved,” Head of the police Strategic Communications Unit Inspector Frankie Thomas told Observer.
“Further details will be provided as the investigation continues,” he added.
Earlier yesterday, law enforcement intensified their search for the Five Islands Primary School student, who went missing on Wednesday afternoon while walking home from school.
The case has since alarmed the nation.
During a press conference yesterday, Acting Commissioner of Police Everton Jeffers, along with senior officers, provided critical updates on the investigation.
“The police administration is seriously concerned about the number of missing person’s reports that we have been receiving over such a short period of time. What is even more troubling is this recent incident involving a minor.
“I just wish to reassure the family of Chantel Crump that the police are doing everything humanly possible to find her alive and well and have turned all our resources towards finding her and returning her home safely,” said Acting Commissioner Jeffers.
The police are treating the case as a kidnapping and are following multiple leads.
“Currently, we are following several leads which we believe will help us in our search. At this point, we’re questioning a couple of persons who we believe might be able to provide us with additional information as to her whereabouts,” said Acting Commissioner Jeffers.
According to Assistant Commissioner of Police Samuel Joseph, who oversees the St John’s Police Station, Chantel was last seen on No. 2 George Street in Gray’s Farm, just about 75 to 100 feet from her home.
“She was walking in the company of two other schoolmates. They were dropped off on the northern side of King George, about 3:10 by the school bus.
“A silver vehicle with a lone female inside opened the door and invited her in, and she went into the vehicle from the information we received, and upon entering the vehicle, she waved to her schoolmate,” Joseph said.
He provided a detailed description of Chantel at the time of her disappearance.
“She was still dressed in her school uniform. She had her hair tied up in a bun, with a red bow in her hair, and a single braid at the front. She was wearing black shoes with white socks, and she had a school bag with her.” He clarified that she was wearing “a maroon jumper and a white blouse,” which is the Five Islands school uniform.
Assistant Commissioner Clifton Cabral, head of the Criminal Investigations Department (CID), emphasized the importance of cooperation from the public.
“What the public can do is what they have been doing, because I can tell you, information is coming in from all angles, and the police is, let’s say, we have left no stone unturned.
“I have spoken to her parents and I have assured them that we will spare no resources in seeing it through,” Cabral.
The investigation has already identified two vehicles of interest. According to ACP Cabral, “We’re looking at two separate vehicles. Two different numbers, two separate vehicles.”
“I have spoken to the owner of one of the vehicles, and certain information was given to me by that owner. I can tell you that we’re not going to just leave it because of the information she gave to me, but it appears to me that she’s not the person who picked up the child.
“We need to coordinate our resources, so we have to weigh the information and determine where we send our resources. I am hopeful that we can bring Chantel home safely,” the CID head said.
Despite following several promising leads, the search has yet to yield concrete results.
Law enforcement officials stressed that public information is crucial to resolving the case.
Acting Commissioner Jeffers urged the public to remain vigilant and to report any information, no matter how insignificant it might seem, as the search continues and the community remains on high alert, with the goal of bringing Chantel home safely.
“If there’s anyone with any information that can assist us with our investigation, please contact the nearest police station or call the Criminal Investigations Department at 462-3913 or 3914,” he said.
The police confirmed they are utilizing electronic billboards displaying Chantal’s photo to disseminate information about her disappearance.
Meanwhile, Leader of the Opposition Hon Jamale Pringle also expressed his concern and solidarity to the family.
“Today is an unhappy and distressing day for all parents and, indeed, all adults, as a nine-year-old girl has now been missing for over 18 hours. As a father, I share the anguish of her parents, family, school and community,” Pringle said.
He called for both community assistance and decisive action from the authorities.
“I am appealing to all residents not only for their prayers, but for any practical assistance that can be given in the search for little Chantel Crump and the effort to bring her home safe and sound,” he said.
He further highlighted broader concerns about missing persons cases.
“Too many of our young people have been lost under mysterious circumstances,” Pringle stressed.
Additionally, St John’s Rural West MP Hon Richard Lewis and St John’s Rural West Caretaker Senator Michael Joseph have both expressed concern about the missing child’s whereabouts.
