'When the nightmare begins': FBI joins the search for 9-year-old feared to have been abducted while camping in upstate New York

Nine-year-old Charlotte Sena is feared to have been abducted Saturday whilst on a camping trip with her family in upstate New York's Moreau Lake State Park.

The FBI has joined the search, and the 4,691 acre park has been closed until further notice amid growing concerns that the little girl faces "imminent danger."

What are the details?

The New York State Police issued an AMBER alert Sunday morning, noting that Sena, from Greenfield in Saratoga County, is believed to have been abducted on Saturday around 6:45 p.m. near Moreau Lake State Park, Loop A, Site 18, in Gansevoort, New York. The alert indicates the girl "was taken under circumstances that lead police to believe that they are in imminent danger of serious harm and/or death."

Sena is described has having long, blonde hair and green eyes, standing at 4 feet 6 inches tall, and weighing around 90 pounds. She was last seen wearing an orange tie-dye Pokemon shirt, dark blue pants, and a gray bicycle helmet. Police ask anyone with information pertaining to the abduction to call NYSP at 518-457-6811 or to dial 911.

WCBS-TV reported that the fourth-grader had been biking with friends, but had elected to do one more loop alone down a paved road, which threads through a heavily wooded area.

"Last evening, she went out on a bike ride; it wasn’t dark, right around dinnertime, and did a couple of loops with close friends she considers her cousins," said Gov. Kathy Hochul. "And then she decided, after going around True Bay, she said she just wanted to go around one more time by herself – be that big girl, do it by herself."

"Literally 15 minutes later, she hadn't come back yet," continued the governor. "And that's really when the nightmare begins."

"At approximately 6:45 p.m., Charlotte's bike was located in Loop A, and at 6:47 p.m., Charlotte's mom, Trish, called 911 to report the child missing," said NYSP Lt. Col. Richard Mazzone.

The search underway

Jené Sena, an aunt of Sena, told USA Today that the past few days have been a "nightmare" for her family, adding that the girl's parents and over 30 family members are helping police in their search.

Trisha, Sena's mother, told the Albany Times Union her daughter is a "good kid" and "trusting," stressing, "I just want my daughter back."

The Sena family told NBC News in a statement, "We just want her returned safely like any parent would. No tip is too small, please call if you know anything at all."

Extra to bloodhounds, divers, forest rangers, air boats, and ATVs, police are utilizing drones and other technology in their sweep of the park.

In addition to on-the-ground efforts, police have also been working to trace cellphones utilized in the area around the time Sena went missing and gathering surveillance video, reported WCBS.

The Times Union reported that the FBI is now assisting the NYSP in the search.

As of early Monday, hundreds of personnel from various state agencies, including members of the Schenectady Fire Department, were reportedly combing the area for the girl.

FBI joins search for missing 9-year-old Charlotte Senayoutu.be

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