NORMAL, IL. (Chambana Today) — A 12-year-old student from Thomas Metcalf School is safe and back with his family after an extensive search Monday afternoon and evening.
Illinois State University officials confirmed that sixth grader Miguel Contreras was located in Bloomington after he did not return home from school. Authorities say multiple agencies assisted in the search, including ISU Police, Normal Police, Bloomington Police, and the McLean County Emergency Management Agency.
ISU Police thanked the community for its help, saying tips and social media shares played an important role in locating the student.
“Thank you to all the first responders and the community that called with tips and shared our post,” ISU Police said. “A community that cares is a powerful thing.”
Thomas Metcalf School is one of Illinois State University’s laboratory schools and is located on the university campus in Normal.
Officials have not released additional details about how the student was located. The incident remains under review.