12-Year-Old Metcalf Student Found Safe After Search

Illinois State University officials say the sixth grader was located in Bloomington and reunited with his family.

Published on Feb. 10, 2026

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A 12-year-old student from Thomas Metcalf School in Normal, Illinois was found safe on Monday evening after an extensive search involving multiple law enforcement agencies. The sixth grader, Miguel Contreras, was located in Bloomington and reunited with his family.

Why it matters

The disappearance of a young student is an alarming event that raises concerns about child safety and the need for effective emergency response protocols. The successful resolution of this case highlights the importance of community engagement and cooperation between law enforcement agencies.

The details

According to Illinois State University officials, Miguel Contreras did not return home from school on Monday. Authorities from ISU Police, Normal Police, Bloomington Police, and the McLean County Emergency Management Agency all assisted in the search. Tips from the community and social media sharing played a crucial role in locating the student.

  • Miguel Contreras did not return home from school on Monday.
  • The student was located on Monday evening and reunited with his family.

The players

Miguel Contreras

A 12-year-old sixth grader at Thomas Metcalf School in Normal, Illinois.

Thomas Metcalf School

A laboratory school operated by Illinois State University, located on the university's campus in Normal.

ISU Police

The police department of Illinois State University, which assisted in the search for the missing student.

Normal Police

The police department of the city of Normal, Illinois, which also assisted in the search.

Bloomington Police

The police department of the city of Bloomington, Illinois, which helped locate the student.

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What they’re saying

“Thank you to all the first responders and the community that called with tips and shared our post. A community that cares is a powerful thing.”

— ISU Police (Chambana Today)

What’s next

Officials have not released additional details about how the student was located, and the incident remains under review.

The takeaway

This case highlights the importance of community engagement and effective emergency response protocols when a child goes missing. The successful resolution of this incident demonstrates the power of a coordinated effort between law enforcement agencies and the public.