Amber Alert on Phone: Kidnap of 2 Children in California, Mom Killed, Triggers First Text Message, Causes Confusion
Thousands of Californians were confused last night when they were notified of an amber alert through their phones by beeping.
This was the first time California officials have ever warned the public of an amber alert through text messages to their cell phones and 10 seconds of buzzing.
The Los Angeles Times reported that San Diego County Sheriff's Department issued the Amber Alert for 16-year-old Hannah Anderson and 8-year-old Ethan Anderson. Officials believe that James Lee DiMaggio, 40, killed their mother 44-year-old Christina Anderson and then kidnapped the kids.
The text message reportedly alerted people to look out for a blue Nissan, but gave very little other details and didn't explain the circumstance of the amber alert.
Most new phones automatically will get the alerts, but customers can call up their provider and ask not to receive them.
KQED News reported that a producer for KQED Science said he was driving with his wife when both their phones received the amber alert, along with the screeching. Rosa said the alert was "10 times louder than any other alert on the phone. We had no idea what it was." Rosa's wife's phone was to the car stereo through Bluetooth, which made the phone even louder. As a result he said they, "Almost ran off the road trying to shut the things off."
KQED also reported that the wireless emergency alert system has been set up since the beginning of the year, but that last night was the first time it has been used in California.
The system can also alert people about weather, such as floods or hurricanes.
