Search begins for missing 4-year-old girl after postal carrier finds her sister alone

CYRIL, Okla. (TCD) -- Police and civilians are searching for a 4-year-old girl who was reported missing this week after her older sister was found wandering around alone.

According to the Oklahoma State Bureau of Investigation, Athena Brownfield was reported missing Tuesday, Jan. 10, at 2 p.m., to the Cyril Police Department.

In an updated news release, the Oklahoma State Bureau of Investigation (OSBI) said a postal carrier saw Athena’s 5-year-old sister near her home at 225 W. Nebraska. When the postal carrier told police, officers then became aware that Athena was gone.

OSBI Public Information Officer Brook Arbeitman said in a press conference Wednesday, Jan. 11, investigators were "collecting items that could be relevant," but did not classify the items as evidence.

Athena’s sister reportedly did not require medical care, but Arbeitman said the little girl was "frightened." She is in protective custody.

Oklahoma Highway Patrol Trooper Eric Foster spoke at the press conference and said investigators are looking for her via helicopter, boat, and ground searches. Foster explained an Amber Alert did not go out on behalf of Athena because her disappearance did not meet all the criteria needed for the notification.

In a different press briefing Wednesday, Arbeitman said, "This is an active and ongoing investigation, and right now our top priority is locating her and sorting out who’s responsible will come next. Right now, we need to find this little girl."

A reporter asked if Arbeitman thought Athena was in danger, and Arbeitman responded, "There’s not anything to indicate that other than she’s a little child and she’s missing and she’s on her own in the elements."

Arbeitman also said contacting Athena's parents is "part of the ongoing investigation."

MORE:

• OSBI SEARCHING FOR MISSING CYRIL THREE-YEAR-OLD - Oklahoma State Bureau of Investigation
• SEARCH CONTINUES SEARCHING FOR MISSING CYRIL GIRL - Oklahoma State Bureau of Investigation
• OSBI is giving an update on the search for three-year-old Athena Brownfield in Cyril - KOKH-TV
• The OSBI is holding a press conference about missing 4-year-old Athena Brownfield - KOKH