Fiedwenya Fiefe: 4-year-old girl missing in Plainfield, Indiana

A 4-year-old girl identified as Fiedwenya Fiefe is missing in Plainfield, Indiana.

Police in Indiana are searching for a 4-year-old girl who reportedly wandered away from her home nearly 24 hours ago and is believed to be in grave danger.

Authorities said Fiedwenya Fiefe was last seen around 1 p.m. after leaving her home in Plainfield’s Legacy Farms neighborhood, 17 miles southwest of Indianapolis.

Plainfield Deputy Chief Joe Aldridge told reporters Friday morning that Fiedwenya has autism and is nonverbal, so she may not be able to ask for help.

The state has issued a Silver Alert, alerting the public to missing and endangered adults or children, for Fiedwenya, which noted that she “is believed to be in extreme danger and may require medical assistance.”

“She has a history of leaving the residence unattended but they generally find her quickly and get her back,” Aldridge said.

Dozens of first responders are searching for Fiedwenya, primarily concentrating on her neighborhood as well as two nearby, Aldridge said.

The girl is drawn to water, and there are approximately 14 ponds in Legacy Farms and a nearby neighborhood that they are actively searching, he said. Drones, rescue canines, off-road vehicles, watercraft and sonar equipment are being used in the search, police said.

“The family, as you would imagine, is very devastated,” he said. “They are cooperating with our agency.”

Police have asked nearby residents to search their properties for the missing child and any exterior home video. Fiedwenya was seen walking down her street by a resident on Thursday, shortly after her family reported her missing to police, according to Aldridge.

Fiedwenya was described by police as a Black girl standing 3 feet 5 inches tall and weighing 35 pounds. According to police, she was last seen wearing a long pink dress or nightgown. Authorities are asking anyone with information about her whereabouts to call 317-839-8700.