A massive multi-agency search was initiated late yesterday afternoon in Alexander after a juvenile was seen stumbling across railroad tracks shortly after a passing train.
More than 40 first responders utilized drones, helicopters, and K-9 units in a coordinated effort to locate the individual, though no one was ultimately found. Read more below.
The incident began when the Alexander Police Chief observed a youth stumbling near the Alexander Road railroad crossing from several hundred yards away. Given the extreme heat and the potential for severe distress or injury, the Alexander Police and Fire Departments immediately launched an investigation, searching along the tracks and conducting door-to-door inquiries to determine the individual’s identity and location.
Recognizing the urgency of the situation, a command post was established and the Alexander Fire Chief assumed incident command.
The Pulaski County Office of Emergency Management deployed drones for an immediate aerial search, while the Arkansas State Police provided helicopter support and the Little Rock Police Department sent a K-9 tracking team.
Over 40 responders from surrounding agencies—including fire departments from Bryant, Bauxite, Collegeville, East End, Northeast, and Shannon Hills, as well as Pafford and Saline County Emergency Management—utilized UTVs and foot patrols to scour areas that could not be effectively viewed from the air.
After several hours of extensive searching, crews were unable to locate anyone, and area hospitals reported receiving no patients who matched the circumstances of the incident.
Alexander Fire Chief Ryan McCormick expressed gratitude for the robust inter-departmental response, emphasizing that the situation was treated as a serious public safety matter.
“When there is a possibility that someone’s life or safety may be at risk, we will always take the situation seriously and work together to provide the resources necessary to protect our community,” McCormick stated.
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