Athena Alert: Missing Grapevine 9-year-old found safe
GRAPEVINE, Texas - Grapevine police confirmed a 9-year-old boy who went missing on his way to school has been found safe.
Family members said Zavien Keyes missed the bus on Wednesday morning, so he left home to walk to Glenhope Elementary School but didn't make it there.
Police searched the neighborhood, his route to school and all the surrounding parks. They checked with neighbors to see if anyone’s doorbell cameras captured video of him walking in the area.
Just before 3 p.m., police announced that Zavien was found safe at a nearby friend's house. He had fallen asleep on the couch.
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Grapevine police say no criminal charges will be filed.
What is an Athena Alert?
The Athena Alert was created by Texas lawmakers in 2023 following the disappearance of Wise County 7-year-old Athena Strand.
She was discovered to have disappeared on a Wednesday night, but an Amber Alert was not issued until Thursday afternoon because the case did not meet the qualifications for an Amber Alert.
Under the new law, an Athena Alert can issued when child goes missing but there is no verification of an abduction.
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What is an Athena Alert?: What you need to know
After the 2022 disappearance of 7-year-old Athena Strand in Wise County, a new bill was signed into law that created a version of an Amber Alert known as the ‘Athena Alert.’ Here's what it means
It can be sent out to people within in a 100-mile radius of the disappearance.