IMPD Search for Missing Indianapolis Infant Highlights How Silver Alerts Are Used in Child Abduction Cases

What police said about the active search

Indianapolis Metropolitan Police Department detectives are seeking help locating a missing 3-month-old infant and an adult identified as the child’s non-custodial parent. Police reported the pair were last seen Tuesday in the 1300 block of West 75th Court on Indianapolis’ north side.

A statewide Silver Alert was issued shortly after 2:30 a.m. Wednesday. Police said the adult, 20-year-old Lawrence Whitsitt, may be armed and was believed to be driving a silver 2012 GMC Terrain with Indiana license plate 116RMK. Authorities instructed the public to call 911 immediately with any information that could help locate the child and the vehicle.

Why the case triggers a Silver Alert instead of an AMBER Alert

In Indiana, Silver Alerts are administered through the Indiana Clearinghouse for Information on Missing Children and Missing Endangered Adults, a program created by the General Assembly and operated through the Indiana State Police. While commonly associated with missing endangered adults, Indiana’s Silver Alert framework also includes categories that can apply to endangered children and other high-risk missing persons, allowing statewide dissemination when specific criteria are met.

In practice, law enforcement may rely on the Silver Alert system in child cases when the circumstances meet Indiana’s statewide alert standards and when an AMBER Alert may not be the appropriate mechanism under established protocols. Police communications in this case identify the situation as a non-custodial parental abduction and emphasize immediate public-safety concerns.

Key details authorities want the public to remember

• Missing child: 3-month-old infant.

• Associated adult: Lawrence Whitsitt, described by police as the non-custodial parent.

• Last known location: 1300 block of West 75th Court, Indianapolis.

• Vehicle: Silver 2012 GMC Terrain, Indiana plate 116RMK.

• Public guidance: Call 911 immediately with information; do not attempt to intervene.

How the public can help without compromising the investigation

Missing-child investigations typically move quickly, and the first hours can determine how effectively investigators establish timelines, identify locations to search, and confirm travel routes. Police have urged residents to report sightings and verifiable information through emergency channels rather than amplifying speculation online, which can generate false leads and divert investigative resources.

If located, call 911 immediately.

The Silver Alert remains a tool used to rapidly circulate identifying information statewide, particularly when investigators believe a child may be in danger and public assistance could help locate a vehicle or person connected to the disappearance.