WCAX.COM Local Vermont News, Weather and Sports-False Amber Alert Triggered by Real One in Montana?

False Amber Alert Triggered by Real One in Montana?

Barre, Vermont - April 16, 2008

Police are investigating the possibility that a false Amber Alert spread by text message in Vermont was actually triggered by a real Amber Alert issued in Montana.

Many Vermonters received the text message Tuesday. It claimed to be an Amber Alert for two children kidnapped from Barre. It turns out there was an Amber Alert in Montana and Wisconsin last weekend for two missing girls and somehow the information was mistakenly spread in Vermont.

Authorities stress that Amber Alerts are authentic only if issued by police, which is easily verified by turning on your TV or radio or going to a media website.

"If an Amber Alert, a true Amber Alert, comes out, you will see it on your television, you will hear it on your news, it will come out through the public broadcast media," said Barre Police Chief Tim Bombardier. "Also that the text message if you have signed up for it, you can get Amber Alert text messages on your phone, but it's a service that you'd sign up for. You'd agree to have that come to you."

Police say the mix-up may have occurred because Wisconsin also has a town of Barre. Police say the missing children were found safe and sound with relatives in Montana and no charges will be filed.

Brian Joyce - WCAX News