Community
Silver Alert Activated for Disappeared Teen in Gilbert
Gilbert, Ariz. — Authorities and a local family are raising the alarm over the disappearance of 14-year-old Liam McGee, who vanished from his home late Thursday night. The Arizona Department of Public Safety has since issued a Silver Alert for the teenager.
Last seen on Ring camera footage around 11 p.m., Liam left his bedroom without any personal belongings, such as a phone or money. His family became aware of his absence the following morning when his grandmother, Deanna Kreba, reviewed the footage and found his room empty.
“There was nothing to indicate that I was never going to see my grandson again,” Deanna expressed in despair. Prior to his departure, Liam and his grandmother had exchanged goodnights, making his disappearance even more perplexing.
Liam has autism, and while he has previously sneaked out at night, he has always returned by sunrise. The family’s concern escalates as four days have passed without any sign of him. “He takes medication. He will not survive out there on the streets,” Deanna added.
Details about Liam’s appearance indicate he was riding a black Razor scooter. He was last seen wearing a tan shirt, black athletic pants, and Nike slides. Standing at approximately 5’5″ and weighing 130 pounds, his family emphasizes that he cannot read or write, further heightening their worries.
Community efforts to locate Liam have ramped up. On Tuesday, local residents organized a search party, fanning out across the Valley to distribute missing posters. The search area focused on 24th Street and Baseline Road in Phoenix, where several sightings were reported.
Frustration has mounted regarding the police response. Deanna voiced her concerns about the limitations placed on the search, stating that officials dismissed the situation as a willful departure despite her explaining Liam’s condition. “He is disabled. He is autistic,” she emphasized.
A spokesperson for the Gilbert Police Department clarified that, while aware of the urgency, Liam’s case did not meet the criteria for an Amber Alert or a Silver Alert due to its specific requirements. The department is concentrating on locations frequented by Liam based on past instances of him running away.
Despite the police’s focus, Liam’s family has taken matters into their own hands. They continue searching neighborhoods and businesses, tracking potential routes to Scottsdale where they believe his girlfriend may be. They have even sifted through his computer for clues but report that all leads have yielded no results.
“We’ve lost so much valuable time now,” lamented Deanna. The family is now pleading for public assistance in locating Liam, urging anyone with information to reach out to Gilbert PD at 480-503-6500.
