Search Continues For 5-Year-Old Dulce Maria Alavez Who Vanished From Bridgeton City Park Nearly 3 Weeks Ago
BRIDGETON, N.J. (CBS) -- Around 100 people scoured the Bridgeton area on Sunday in the hopes of finding clues in the disappearance of 5-year-old Dulce Maria Alavez. The search began at City Park at 12:30 p.m.
Dulce has been on the minds of many in the community who are desperate to find her.
On the eve of another week passing by and with no signs of Dulce, strangers carefully scoured the woods and hills where the 5-year-old was last seen.
Dulce's family took part in the search and her grandmother says every day they feel more sad, more anguish.
Prosecutors disclosed late this week that thousands of tips have poured in with people trying to help police connect the dots.
But so far, there's been nothing.
While searching the Bridgetown City Park, there was a possible clue.
"She stated she was eating coconut ice cream when she went missing, so that's what we were looking for," Emma Warfel said.
Hopes were dashed, though, when it was determined this coconut ice cream wrapper was not a match.
Late this week, CBS3 obtained the 911 call placed by Dulce's mother, Noema Alavez-Perez.
Relentless questions have followed since the mother says she took Dulce, her son and an 8-year-old relative to get ice cream and play in the park.
She says she was in her car when Dulce disappeared.
Strangers have taken up the cause, hoping to bring the search to a resolution.
"My heart's been breaking for this kid since it started. I feel terrible for the family, I can't even sleep. It bothers me. Whatever we can do to help this to come to an end," Jennifer Capizola said.
Police believe Dulce is still alive.
There is a $40,000 reward to find Dulce and the person who took her.
