UPDATE: A statewide Amber Alert was issued. Read more: Statewide Amber Alert For Endangered 5-Year-Old NJ Girl

NEW JERSEY – A 5-year-old girl went missing in New Jersey on Monday night, police said, and a widespread search is underway. Police have searched the area using a helicopter and they've also searched the local waterways.

A police helicopter hovers close to a wooded area near the playground where little 5 yr old Dulce Maria Alavez was last seen yesterday afternoon in Bridgeton NJ. Authorities say an estimated 60 officers are involved in the search. pic.twitter.com/YwdxtUyAkc

— John Rawlins (@JRawlins6abc) September 17, 2019 Dulce Maria Alavez was last seen after she went with her mother, Noema Alavez, 19, to a playground area in Bridgeton City Park – behind the high school – around 4 p.m., police said.

The mother stayed in her vehicle while Dulce and her 3-year-old brother ran off to play, police told Patch. Ten minutes later, the 3-year-old ran back to the car and was crying.