Ivan Torres, 12, Missing in Jackson Township, NJ – Amber Alert Issued As Authorities Seek Public’s Help After Boy Disappears Following Disagreement Over Concert Attendance
An Amber Alert has been issued for 12-year-old Ivan Torres, who has gone missing from Jackson Township, New Jersey, since the afternoon of March 31, 2025. Authorities are calling on the public to assist in the urgent search for Ivan, whose sudden disappearance has left family, friends, and local law enforcement in a state of heightened concern. The last confirmed sighting of Ivan was around 5:30 PM, after he left his home in a distressed state.
According to his family, the trigger for Ivan’s decision to leave the house was a disagreement regarding his attendance at a concert with a friend. Ivan had hoped to attend the event with a peer, but his parents denied permission for him to go, which caused him emotional distress. In the aftermath of the argument, Ivan made the decision to leave, and it was the last time anyone saw him.
At the time of his disappearance, Ivan was dressed in a black hoodie emblazoned with a “Columbia” logo on the back, beige pants, and either black socks or black Crocs. These details were shared by both the authorities and his family in hopes of making it easier for the public to spot Ivan. His phone had been turned off shortly after the incident, making it impossible for his family to reach him or trace his whereabouts through typical tracking methods.
The Disappearance and Search Efforts:
Ivan’s mother, Monika Wieszczek, grew increasingly concerned when she could not get in touch with him after the argument. Fearing the worst, she immediately contacted the Jackson Police Department to report him as missing. Officers arrived at the scene and began conducting a search of the area. As time passed, it became apparent that Ivan’s phone was off, and attempts to track his location were unsuccessful.
According to family members, Ivan’s friends had been especially worried. The group of peers expressed concerns that Ivan, being upset and distressed, might not be thinking clearly or may have wandered off to an unsafe location. As news of his disappearance spread, more friends and family began combing the neighborhood, hoping to find a clue or spot Ivan.
Details Shared by Authorities:
Authorities in Jackson Township have been working tirelessly to locate Ivan, and they have provided a few key details that they hope will aid in the search. Ivan was reportedly last seen around the vicinity of his home, which is located in Jackson Township, a suburban community located in Ocean County, New Jersey. The area is typically quiet and safe, which has only heightened the sense of urgency around this case.
The Jackson Township Police Department is investigating multiple leads, but at this time, there are no confirmed sightings of Ivan since the initial incident. Police have emphasized the importance of public cooperation and have urged anyone who might have seen Ivan or has any information to come forward immediately. Investigators have been canvassing local areas, including parks, shopping centers, and public transportation hubs, and they have been using all available resources, such as surveillance footage and social media, to try and locate Ivan.
A local search team has also been deployed to the area, with volunteers and members of the community offering their assistance in the search. Flyers have been posted in and around Jackson Township, with large images of Ivan and the detailed description of his clothing, hoping to reach a broader audience.
Authorities have asked local residents and businesses to be extra vigilant, especially in areas where Ivan might have been spotted. The Jackson Township Police have emphasized that there are still many unknowns regarding Ivan’s disappearance, and the investigation is ongoing.
Concerns Over Ivan’s Safety:
The emotional state of a child or teenager in distress is always a primary concern when someone goes missing, and Ivan’s case is no different. His family, friends, and authorities are particularly concerned that his emotional distress could lead him to make poor decisions or potentially put himself in harm’s way. The fact that his phone was disconnected further adds to the concern, as there is no easy way for authorities to communicate with him or track him through typical methods.
“Teenagers, especially when they’re upset, may make decisions without thinking through the consequences,” said Jackson Township Police Chief Ellen Byrne during a recent press briefing. “Our concern is that Ivan may not be in the right state of mind to make safe choices, and we need to bring him back home safely as soon as possible.”
Ivan’s mother, Monika, has been working with local authorities to provide any and all information that might help locate her son. Monika’s deep concern for Ivan’s well-being has been evident in public statements, and she is doing everything in her power to cooperate with law enforcement and assist in the search. “We just want him to come home. We love him so much, and we are so scared for him,” Monika Wieszczek said tearfully during an interview with local news stations.
The Community’s Response:
The local community has rallied behind the family in support of the search efforts. Jackson Township is a small but tight-knit community, and residents have expressed their concern for Ivan’s safe return. Schools in the area have even issued statements urging students and families to stay alert and provide any information that might help authorities.
As the search efforts expand, community groups have formed search teams to assist with the search efforts. Local churches, youth groups, and neighborhood associations have all come together to distribute missing person flyers and spread the word about Ivan’s disappearance.
Local businesses in Jackson Township have also been supportive, with some offering resources for the search or agreeing to display missing person posters in their windows. This level of support and cooperation has been heartening for Ivan’s family and has underscored the importance of community during such challenging times.
The Role of Social Media:
In today’s digital age, social media has played a significant role in spreading the word about missing children. Within hours of the Amber Alert being issued, local news stations and community members began circulating Ivan’s photo and a description of the circumstances surrounding his disappearance on platforms like Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram. This rapid dissemination of information helped increase awareness across the region, and many users have shared the alert with their own networks, hoping to generate tips or leads.
Online communities have also been active in tracking developments and providing updates on potential sightings. While these tips have been helpful, law enforcement has cautioned that not all information from social media is reliable, and they continue to encourage anyone with firsthand knowledge to report it directly to the Jackson Township Police.
Public Appeal:
As of now, Jackson Township authorities are still asking for the public’s help. Anyone who may have seen Ivan or who has any information regarding his whereabouts is urged to contact the Jackson Township Police Department immediately. The police have set up a dedicated hotline for tips related to the case, and they are offering the opportunity for anonymous tips.
“We know there are people out there who may have seen something or heard something, even if they think it’s insignificant,” said Police Chief Byrne. “Every detail matters, and we need the community’s help to bring Ivan home safely.”
As the hours and days continue to pass, the urgency of finding Ivan only grows. The Jackson Township Police and the Torres family are hopeful that, with continued public assistance and diligent investigation, Ivan will be found and returned home safely.
Conclusion:
The case of Ivan Torres has touched the hearts of many in Jackson Township, New Jersey, and beyond. As the search for the missing 12-year-old boy continues, the community remains hopeful that Ivan will be found and safely reunited with his family. In the meantime, authorities, friends, family, and volunteers are doing everything they can to assist in the investigation and ensure that Ivan’s safe return is a reality.
In these difficult times, the importance of vigilance, community cooperation, and support for families in crisis is ever more apparent. The efforts of the Jackson Township Police Department, along with the outpouring of support from the local community, continue to provide hope as the search for Ivan Torres enters its second day.
