Gov. details massive search for missing Saratoga Co. girl

MOREAU | It was a sunny Saturday evening when Charlotte Sena headed out for a bike ride with young friends at Moreau State Park. As families settled in for dinner around the campfire, the 9-year-old decided to go for one last loop around the scenic campground- this time by herself. After 15 minutes of failing to return, her loved ones knew something was wrong. "Her parents knew immediately something was up. They called her name. People started searching, people from other campgrounds joined. And 30 minutes later, at 6:47, Charlotte's mother, Trisha, called 911. The scene was chaotic. People leaving their food, leaving their tables, just everyone in search, calling the name, "Charlotte, Charlotte." By 7 p.m., the State Police were on site," Gov. Kathy Hochul said from the search site early Sunday afternoon as the investigation continued. For 18 hours and counting, law enforcement from multiple agencies- aided by K9, aviation, underwater and drone units- have scoured the area in search of the fourth grader who was just elected to the student council. Her distraught parents have also taken to social media pleading to neighbors for any Ring camera or home surveillance footage that might help shed a light on her whereabouts. "The day turned into every parent's nightmare," Hochul said after meeting with Charlotte's parents, David and Trisha. "I cannot imagine the pain they're going through. They shared with me how joyful their little girl is…Everybody thought of her as just a really nice girl, the kind that people wanted to be friends with, the kind that looked out for other children, the pride of every parent." A command post has been set up at the state park where more than 100 personnel have been deployed with 75 law enforcement officers actively on the ground. The Schenectady Fire Office is also assisting with the search as Charlotte is the niece of one of the members of the Schenectady Fire Department, Hochul said. "We are leaving no stone, no branch, no table, no cabin unturned, untouched, unexamined in our search to find Charlotte," Hochul said. "We'll keep the members of the public updated. I promised her parents we'll find their daughter. She's all of our daughters. Their family needs love. They need prayers. And if you know anything, if you've seen anything, you hear anything, please contact 911 to tell us what you know and what you may contribute to the search for this little girl." The Moreau Lake State Park is located at 605 Old Saratoga Road in Ganesvoort- just 15 minutes from where Charlotte grew up with her two sisters. An Amber Alert was issued Sunday morning as all eyes turned to the downstate tragedy. The campground was officially closed Sunday until further notice as the search continued. "This includes hiking, camping, boating and all other activities. Be respectful of our current situation. Please do not come to the park," Moreau Lake State Park posted on social media Sunday afternoon. "For everyone asking what they can do to help. Please stay off the trails and away from Moreau. Leave all searching to the professionals. Please also send all love and light to the family as well as the people searching." Charlotte was last seen in Loop A of the campsite wearing an orange tie-dye Pokemon shirt, blue pants, black Crocs and a gray helmet. She has blonde hair and green eyes, weighing roughly 90 pounds. Anyone with information is asked to call 911 or NYSP Wilton BCI at 518-477-9333. Hochul said "Hearts are broken here today in New York. Hopefully, there'll be a reunion. Hopefully, there'll be a family that has been traumatized but is reunited. That is our prayer and our hope at this time." The Corinth Central School District, where Charlotte is a student, mobilized its crisis team for the start of classes Monday. "Our staff is ready to respond to student concerns and questions. We also have extra counselors on site for any students or staff who should need their support," officials said in a Monday morning statement. Superintendent Dr. Mark Stratton said, "The district maintains its focus on the safety and the well-being of our students and staff. Our hearts go out to the Sena family."

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Gov. details massive search for missing Saratoga Co. girl

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