Surge in Missing Children in North Dakota
In just 17 days, nearly a dozen children vanished in North Dakota—a sharp and unusual spike.
State records show 12 juveniles have been reported missing since late July, and nine remain unaccounted for.
“That feels like a lot when you say it out loud,” said Steven Harstad of the Bureau of Criminal Investigation.
Rare and Concerning Trend
Experts say such clustering is rare in a small state.
Authorities believe the cases are unrelated but admit the rise is “concerning.”
Public Asked to Help
Police urge help locating Angel Peltier, 15, missing since August 10.
Harstad warned, “Even if a child ran away 20 times, the 21st time could put them in serious danger.”
Indigenous Communities Hit Hard
So far in 2025, 30 people have gone missing in North Dakota, including 18 minors.
Over half are Indigenous. “These are children, loved ones, community members,” said advocate Prairie Rose Seminole.