Community Rallies in Overnight Search for Missing 9-Year-Old Chantel Crump
The search for missing nine-year-old Chantel Crump intensified overnight as volunteers combed various communities in Antigua, hoping to find any trace of the child. Chantel was last seen walking towards her home in Greenbay around 4 p.m. on Wednesday before allegedly entering a silver Honda driven by an unknown female.
Nathan James, the leader of the community search efforts, reported that four different teams were dispatched to multiple areas, including Golden Grove, in an attempt to locate the child. Volunteers utilized drones and flashlights to aid in their efforts, while residents were urged to check abandoned buildings, fences, and any possible hiding spots.
“We just want to say a special thanks to everyone who came out to support the family,” James stated during a live broadcast of the search. “People, it’s a nine-year-old child—be on the lookout. Let’s bring her home safely to her family.”
Despite the strong turnout from community members, frustrations mounted over what searchers described as a lack of police involvement. James recounted delays in law enforcement’s response, stating that officers took hours to arrive after being contacted. When they did show up, he claimed their attitude was dismissive.
“We were waiting for over an hour before the police arrived, and when they did, they told us they couldn’t do anything,” James said. “We are simply asking for them to lead a search team, to provide some level of protection and guidance. This is a missing child—how can there be no immediate response?”
As of early Thursday morning, Chantel Crump remains missing, and her mother, who participated in the search, is said to be distressed.
Search organizers have urged anyone with information to come forward, particularly those who may have seen the silver Honda or have security camera footage from the area where Chantel was last seen.
“Someone must have seen something,” James added. “A nine-year-old child cannot just disappear. If you saw anything at all, please speak up.”
The police have yet to issue an official statement on the case, further fueling concerns over their handling of missing persons reports.
Community members remain committed to the search and are calling for increased police involvement to assist in locating the missing child.
Anyone with information is urged to contact authorities or the search teams at 773-8033.
