Australian authorities believe Sharon Granites, a 5-year-old girl from an Indigenous community in central Australia, was abducted over the weekend. Police are searching for Jefferson Lewis, a 47-year-old man believed to be connected to her disappearance.
Key Takeaways
Australian authorities believe a 5-year-old girl was abducted from an Indigenous community in central Australia. Police are searching for a 47-year-old man connected to her disappearance.
- Northern Territory Police suspect abduction of Sharon Granites, last seen on Saturday night
- Authorities seek Jefferson Lewis, who disappeared around the same time as the child
- Lewis has a criminal history including domestic violence but no child-related offenses
- Large-scale search involves drones, dogs, mounted police and community volunteers
The child was reported missing from her residence in Old Timers camp, an Aboriginal town camp in Alice Springs, Northern Territory, at around 1:35 a.m. local time on Sunday. According to UPI, Sharon was last seen wearing a dark blue short-sleeve T-shirt with white stripes and black boxer-style underwear.
Northern Territory Police Acting Commander Mark Grieve told reporters that authorities believe Sharon was abducted and are seeking Lewis, who had been in the area around her residence on Saturday. According to The Guardian, Lewis is known to police for domestic violence offenses but has no history of child-related crimes.
Grieve stated that both Sharon and Lewis disappeared around the same time, creating suspicious circumstances. As reported by BBC, a large-scale search involving drones, dogs, mounted police units, and community volunteers is underway in the area surrounding Old Timers camp, including nearby bushland and the Todd River.
The police have appealed to the public for any information that could lead to Sharon's safe return. Grieve expressed concern about the situation, stating it was every parent's 'worst nightmare' as they approach 24 hours since her disappearance.
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