A nine-year-old girl's disappearance from Lake George, New York has triggered an urgent multi-agency search after she was reportedly taken by an unknown suspect in a white van. Melina Galanis Frattolin was last seen Saturday evening as the vehicle traveled southbound on Interstate 87.

According to the Daily Mail, New York State Police (NYSP) issued an Amber Alert on Sunday, stating they believe the child is in "imminent danger of serious bodily harm and/or death." The Warren County Sheriff's Office is investigating the case as a child abduction.

The young girl, described as being of Indian descent with brown hair and brown eyes, was wearing a blue-and-white striped shirt, shorts, and white Adidas sneakers at the time of her disappearance. She stands five feet tall and weighs approximately 100 pounds.

Law Enforcement Mobilizes Extensive Search Operation

Multiple law enforcement agencies have joined forces to locate Melina and her abductor. The white van was last spotted near exit 22 on Interstate 87 around 9:40 PM EST on Saturday.

The Warren County Sheriff's Office is leading the investigation, but has not released information about what Melina was doing or who she was with when taken. They are urging anyone with information to contact them immediately at 518-743-2501 or dial 911.

Authorities have not identified any suspects or obtained the van's registration details, hampering efforts to track the vehicle. The search has expanded beyond Lake George as investigators believe the suspect may have left the immediate area.

Community Response and Public Safety Measures

The National Center for Missing and Exploited Children (NCMEC) has activated its emergency protocols to assist in the search. Their statistics show that Amber Alerts have helped recover 1,268 children in 2025 alone.

Local residents have been asked to remain vigilant and report any suspicious activity. Digital road signs across the region are displaying Amber Alert information to help spread awareness about the abduction.

The small waterfront community of Lake George, located about 60 miles north of Albany, has rallied to support the search efforts. Local businesses are sharing surveillance footage with investigators.

Amber Alert System Deployment

The Amber Alert system was activated due to the serious nature of the abduction. These alerts are designed to instantly mobilize community assistance through multiple channels, including radio, television, and mobile devices.

Law enforcement officials emphasize that the first hours following an abduction are crucial for recovery. The widespread distribution of information through the Amber Alert system has proven effective in similar cases.

The NCMEC continues to coordinate with local authorities to maximize the alert's reach. Their data shows that public assistance often plays a vital role in successful recoveries.

Lessons to learn from this tragedy

1. Be aware of surroundings, especially in public spaces. Whether traveling with children or alone, it’s essential to stay alert in areas with heavy foot traffic or where quick getaways might be possible. Public places like parks and recreation areas can be targets if criminals detect vulnerabilities.

2. Monitor children closely and avoid leaving them unsupervised. Even in seemingly safe areas like vacation towns, close attention is necessary. Parents and guardians are encouraged to maintain visual contact at all times and establish safety plans with children for emergencies.

3. Stay informed about emergency alert systems. Tools like Amber Alerts and notifications from NCMEC are crucial in early response efforts. Everyone should familiarize themselves with the signs of an abduction and know how to respond promptly if they witness unusual behavior. It's vital to remember, though, that no amount of preparation can fully prevent tragedy, and the responsibility always lies with the perpetrator—never the victim.

Why this story matters

The disappearance of Melina Galanis Frattolin highlights the urgent need for community awareness and cooperation in missing-child cases. It underscores how fast such situations unfold and the importance of a swift law enforcement response. Each Amber Alert holds significant weight, and every member of the public has the power to aid in these life-or-death moments.

Conclusion

Melina Galanis Frattolin, age nine, was last seen on Saturday night around 9:40 p.m. near Lake George in New York, and is believed to have been abducted by an unidentified individual driving a white van. She was wearing a blue-and-white striped shirt, shorts, and white Adidas sneakers. Authorities consider her at high risk and have issued an Amber Alert, calling on the public to report any information they may have to the Warren County Sheriff's Office or 911. Surveillance efforts, highway searches, and public alerts remain in effect as investigators race to recover the missing child safely.