Dominica police continue search for kidnapped 12 year old
Articles of clothing and a teddy bear belonging to kidnapped 12-year-old Kernisha Etienne have been found by the Dominica Police Force in their quest to rescue her from the clutches of a mentally ill man.
Kernisha was abducted from her home on Tuesday night by Kian Alexander.
Kernisha’s adopted father, Laurent Joseph Bruno, also Alexander’s uncle, was severely injured as he sought to prevent him from taking her.
Daniel Carbon, Chief of Police, promised that no stone would be left unturned as they searched for Kernisha.
One hundred and five police officers, along with a team of fire and customs officers and civilians, are searching the dense vegetation of Warner, Belles and surrounding communities.
When questioned by the media about the discovery of clothing and whether it is an indication that something unfortunate may have happened to the young woman, Carbon said he remains hopeful that she is alive.
Carbon said Alexander should be considered “armed and dangerous”.
Any Dominican who encounters Alexander has been urged to stay clear of him and call the police.
If Alexander attacks them, Carbon noted: “A citizen of Dominica has a right to defend him or herself. And you do that using reasonable and justifiable force.”
Rayburn Blackmoore, Minister of National Security and Home Affairs, urges parents in these secluded countryside communities to pay close attention to their children.
“Your children should be supervised and closely monitored because this dangerous person is considered to be in that general location,” he stated.
The police came in for heavy criticism last evening from Dominicans because of their lax response in dealing with reports from citizens regarding the behaviour and crimes committed by mentally ill and homeless persons.
But Carbon reminded us that “lunatics” and homeless people have rights that must be respected.
“There is a procedure in dealing with matters involving lunatics. We respond to those reports…we process these lunatics, and the courts must deal with them. Concerning vagrants, dealing with them is not just a police issue. Vagrants are human beings; they are entitled to social services. When we respond, other agencies must get involved,” he stated.
Blackmoore called on the family members of homeless and mentally ill persons to do their part and assist the relative who needed help.
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