CODI Alert Issued for Missing Roanoke Child

The Virginia State Police issued an alert for a 4-year-old boy last seen in Roanoke on Monday night.

Updated on Oct. 6, 2026 in Babies

CODI Alert Issued for Missing Roanoke Child

Authorities have launched a search for a 4-year-old boy who was last seen at a home on Albemarle Avenue in Roanoke. Virginia State Police issued the alert on behalf of the Roanoke City Police Department due to a credible threat to the child's health.

Why it matters

The issuance of a CODI Alert indicates that officials have determined the child's disappearance poses an immediate and credible threat to his safety. Rapid public dissemination of descriptive information is a critical step in assisting law enforcement with the ongoing search.

The missing child is 4 years old, stands 3 feet tall, and weighs 40 pounds. He has brown hair and brown eyes, and was last seen wearing a white t-shirt with red, white and blue sweatpants.

The players

Virginia State Police

This state-level agency is responsible for managing statewide emergency alerts and supporting local jurisdictions during critical incidents.

Roanoke City Police Department

This municipal law enforcement agency is handling the active search and investigation within the city of Roanoke.

The details

The Roanoke City Police Department is leading the investigation into the boy's disappearance from his home on Albemarle Avenue. Officials have requested that anyone with information regarding the child's whereabouts contact police dispatch at (540) 853-2212.

Timeline

  1. The child was last seen at 10 p.m. on Monday, Oct. 5, 2026.

  2. The Virginia State Police issued the official CODI Alert on Oct. 6, 2026.

Culture Shift

This emergency activation follows a pattern set by the Virginia CODI Alert system to prioritize the immediate safety of minors. The deployment of this alert marks a departure from standard missing person reporting by triggering a coordinated regional response.

Residents should remain vigilant and report any sightings of the child to the Roanoke City Police Department immediately. The alert encourages the community to check their properties and assist authorities in providing any relevant information.

The takeaway

Community members play a vital role in recovery efforts by sharing verified alert information during the initial hours of an investigation. Always ensure that you rely on official channels when spreading descriptions to avoid the circulation of inaccurate details.

Further reading

For more information on family safety and community resources, visit Babies.

More information

To view official updates or track ongoing alerts, visit the Virginia State Police alert portal.