Search for 12-year-old boy who went missing in Vermilion River enters 4th day

DANVILLE, Ill. (WAND) - The search for a child was caught in a current and pulled underwater while swimming near the riverbank of the Vermilion River has now entered the fourth day.

Two juveniles told Danville Police that a third child had gone missing in the river near the 100 block of Commerical Street at 8:11 p.m. Monday.

Police immediately responded and started searching for the 12-year-old boy.

WAND News spoke with Danville Police investigators Wednesday morning. They said there has been no sign of the child, but search efforts are continuing. The child's name is not being released.

On Thursday, police said the child was last seen and to the east downriver. Heavy rainfall and severe weather have made the search difficult, producing a strong current and hazardous conditions.

At 8:16 p.m. Monday, Danville Police requested help from the Vermilion County Sheriff’s Department Dive Team.

Vermilion County Deputies arrived at the scene and helped DPD with searching the area. The Vermilion County Sheriff’s Department Dive Team responded to the area with their boat and attempted to locate the boy.

Around 10:14 p.m., the search efforts had to be suspended for safety reasons due to the inclement weather.

Danville Police and the dive team resumed the search at 8:00 a.m. Tuesday along with the Illinois Department of Natural Resources. Boats and divers have been deployed at the scene and are searching the area. Members of the public have also helped in the search, but they are being cautioned not to enter the river due to unsafe conditions.

The investigation into this incident continues.

Anyone who has information regarding this incident is asked to call Danville Police at (217) 431-2250.