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Indiana Amber Alert Issued for Missing 8-Year-Old Hailey Buzbee

  //house-home.news-articles.net/content/2026/02/2 .. issued-for-missing-8-year-old-hailey-buzbee.html
  Published in House and Home on Wednesday, February 25th 2026 at 2:34 GMT by WISH-TV
      Locales: Indiana, UNITED STATES

MARION, Ind. (February 25th, 2026) - The search for 8-year-old Hailey Buzbee of Marion, Indiana, continues with heightened urgency as the Amber Alert issued yesterday remains active. Law enforcement officials are working around the clock, pursuing every lead in what they now believe is a case involving potential foul play.

Hailey was last seen on Saturday, February 24th, 2026, and her disappearance was reported shortly thereafter. The rapid escalation to an Amber Alert - a system used to broadcast urgent information about child abduction cases - underscores the serious nature of the situation and the immediate danger Hailey may be in. The criteria for issuing an Amber Alert are stringent, requiring law enforcement to believe a child has been abducted and that the abduction poses an imminent threat to the child's safety.

The primary suspect in Hailey's disappearance is her father, James Buzbee. Authorities have released a description of James as a white male, approximately 6'0" tall, weighing 180 pounds, with brown hair and blue eyes. Details regarding the vehicle James Buzbee may be traveling in remain unreleased at this time, presumably to avoid potential interference with the investigation.

"We are treating this as a critical case," stated Marion Police Chief Emily Carter during a press conference held earlier today. "Every minute counts when a child is missing, and we are utilizing all available resources to locate Hailey and ensure her safe return. We are actively pursuing all avenues of investigation and are grateful for the public's assistance." Chief Carter urged anyone with information, no matter how seemingly insignificant, to come forward.

The Marion Police Department has established a dedicated tip line and is coordinating with state and federal agencies, including the Indiana State Police and the FBI. Search teams, including canine units and aerial support, are currently scouring the Marion area and surrounding counties. While the focus remains on locating Hailey, authorities are also prioritizing the apprehension of James Buzbee. They are emphasizing that approaching him could be dangerous and are urging the public to maintain a safe distance and immediately contact authorities if they spot him.

Local schools have been placed on heightened alert, and parents are being advised to be vigilant and to report any suspicious activity. Community members have begun organizing search parties, demonstrating the strong sense of unity and concern for Hailey's well-being. A local community center has been set up as a staging area for volunteers and a donation point for essential supplies for search teams.

This case echoes the tragically familiar pattern of parental abductions, which, while representing a smaller percentage of overall missing children cases, often carry the highest risk of harm. The National Center for Missing and Exploited Children (NCMEC) reports that in parental abduction cases, the child is often hidden or taken to another state, making the search significantly more complex. NCMEC provides resources for families and law enforcement, including assistance with developing search strategies and disseminating information to the public. [ https://www.missingkids.org/ ]

The circumstances surrounding Hailey's disappearance are still under investigation. Police have not released details about the events leading up to her disappearance, citing the need to protect the integrity of the investigation. However, sources close to the family have indicated that Hailey and James had been experiencing personal difficulties in recent months. These reports have yet to be officially confirmed by law enforcement.

Authorities are pleading with the public to remain vigilant and to share any information that could lead to Hailey's safe return. The Marion Police Department can be reached at (765) 664-4834 or by calling 911. The FBI can also be contacted through its local field office. The Amber Alert continues to be broadcast across multiple platforms, including television, radio, and social media, in an effort to reach as many people as possible. The hope is that someone, somewhere, will recognize James Buzbee or his vehicle and provide the crucial information needed to bring Hailey home safely.