San Jose, California — A wave of fear and concern has spread through San Jose and the surrounding Santa Clara areas after authorities confirmed that a young girl, 9-year-old Chantel Valencia, is missing and believed to be in serious danger. An AMBER Alert was activated Tuesday afternoon after investigators concluded her disappearance met the strict criteria for an abduction, raising alarms about her safety.
Chantel was last seen Tuesday morning in a residential neighborhood in San Jose. Law enforcement sources say early interviews and evidence pointed strongly to foul play rather than a simple runaway situation, prompting the urgent alert that has mobilized both police and community volunteers.
At this time, local police have shared only scarce details with the public. There’s no confirmed description of a suspect, no vehicle information, and no clear direction Chantel might have been taken. Agencies are holding back specifics as they work the case, hoping new leads will surface soon.
Neighbors describe a quiet street suddenly turned tense. Parents are watching their children closely, and social media in San Jose is buzzing with worried posts, photos of Chantel, and pleas for anyone with information to come forward. “We just want her home safe,” one resident wrote online.
Officials are urging everyone in the region to be alert. If you see a young girl matching Chantel’s description — or anything out of the ordinary — call 911 immediately or reach out to the San Jose Police Department. Even tiny details can be critical when time matters most in abduction cases like this.
Law enforcement made a point of saying that public awareness can save lives in AMBER Alert situations. They thanked the community for spreading the alert and urged continued vigilance until Chantel is found safe.
This story is still unfolding. Authorities promise updates as new information becomes available, and residents are encouraged to share official alerts, keep an eye on local streets, and check security cameras if they’re near the areas where Chantel was last seen.
