Amber Alert issued for missing 12-year-old girl from Waterloo

Authorities search for Dayton Annabelle Cranston, last seen with unidentified man in red Toyota Camry

Apr. 5, 2026 at 11:04pm

Law enforcement officials in Iowa have activated an Amber Alert for a 12-year-old girl named Dayton Annabelle Cranston who was reported missing from Waterloo. Cranston was last seen with an unidentified man in his late 20s or early 30s driving a red Toyota Camry with tinted windows, a black spoiler, and no front license plate.

Why it matters

Amber Alerts are issued when a child is believed to be in imminent danger of serious bodily harm or death. The quick activation of this alert system aims to mobilize the public to assist in locating the missing child before any harm can come to her.

The details

According to the alert, Cranston is 5 feet 4 inches tall, weighs 135 pounds, and has strawberry blond hair and brown eyes. She was last seen wearing a white tank top, blue skirt, gray coat, and white Nike shoes. The man she was with, identified only as 'Danny', has dark-colored hair and eyes.

  • The Amber Alert was issued at 5:08 p.m. on Sunday, April 5, 2026.

The players

Dayton Annabelle Cranston

A 12-year-old girl reported missing from Waterloo, Iowa.

Danny

An unidentified man in his late 20s or early 30s who was last seen with Dayton Annabelle Cranston.

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What’s next

Authorities are urging anyone with information about Dayton Annabelle Cranston's whereabouts or the identity and location of the man she was last seen with to contact the Waterloo Police Department immediately.

The takeaway

The activation of an Amber Alert is a serious step taken by law enforcement when a child is believed to be in grave danger. This case highlights the importance of public vigilance and cooperation in helping to locate missing children as quickly as possible.