********** AMBER ALERT ********** (CANCELLED)

UPDATE (via the Boston Globe):

Missing Arlington boy found

Lucas Whalen, a 6-month-old boy allegedly taken by his parents yesterday, has been found safe, according to news reports. Police have canceled the Amber alert for the boy.

Good.

Thanks for the heads-up, JRV.

WMUR.com (UPDATED: 5:53 pm EDT April 30, 2008):

BOSTON -- An Amber Alert has been issued for a 6-month-old Arlington boy, who police said is in great danger.

Lucas Whalen is white and has hazel eyes and very little hair. He weighs 25 to 30 pounds. The infant is believed to be in danger of serious physical injury, police said.

Police said that Lucas is believed to be in the company of his parents -- Michael Whalen, 42, and Danielle Boyle, 24, both of Arlington.

Police said that the parents lost custody of their son and refused to turn the child over to state officials on Sunday. As a result of statements and threats made by Whalen, officials said there is reason to believe Lucas is in danger and his safety is at risk.

"The mother is party to the taking of the child, and she is believed to be with Michael Whalen, and he has been making statements and threats," said Massachusetts State Police Trooper Eric Benson. "The nature of the threats and statements were of significant concern to law enforcement and led us to believe that Lucas is in great danger."

Whalen is described as being 5 feet 9 inches tall, with a skinny build. He has tattoos on both arms.

Boyle is 5 feet 4 inches tall and weights 135 pounds. She has brown hair and brown eyes and tattoos on her arms, pelvis and ankle.

The parents and child are believed to be traveling in a rented 2007 Ford Five Hundred, dark gray in color with Massachusetts license plate 49RF83. Police said it's possible the couple is traveling toward New Hampshire.

Anyone with information was asked to call 911 or the Arlington police at 781-643-1212.

Photo by WMUR.com
(click to enlarge)