Authorities are currently on the lookout for an 11-year-old girl from Texas who went missing on Thursday last week. Police have apprehended a person of interest in connection with the case.

On the morning of Feb. 15, Audrii Cunningham was last spotted near her father’s home in Livingston, Texas, around 7 a.m. Neighbors mentioned that this is typically the time they see her heading to her school bus stop. However, Audrii did not get on the school bus.

Unfortunately, she didn’t make it to school. When she didn’t get off the bus, the father and the family grew very concerned, according to Lt. Craig Cummings, a spokesperson for the Texas Department of Public Safety, viewing this as a criminal investigation.

On February 15, a statewide Amber Alert was issued.

Authorities are currently investigating a person of interest named Don Steven McDougal. He is a friend of Audrii’s father and resides in a camper located behind Audrii’s home.

Investigators stated that McDougal was likely the final person to have seen Audrii.

McDougal was taken into custody on a separate aggravated assault charge on Friday, as confirmed by the Texas Department of Public Safety. In 2008, he was involved in a serious criminal offense, which included enticing a minor.

McDougal has been offered opportunities to cooperate with investigators, and there is hope that he will assist with the case, according to Cummings on Monday.

According to Polk County Sheriff Byron Lyons, McDougal is considered the primary person of interest, although authorities are keeping all possibilities open.

Investigators are currently on the lookout for McDougal’s 2003 blue Chevy Suburban. 

«If anyone saw that vehicle on Thursday or Friday, please contact the Polk County Sheriff’s Office,» Cummings urged.

Law enforcement agencies and volunteers have joined forces to search for Audrii in the Livingston area. They recently found her backpack near Lake Livingston Dam.

Cummings mentioned that additional items were discovered. However, we won’t be discussing the specifics of those items. That is just one aspect of the investigative endeavor.

Cassie Matthews is determined to reunite with her daughter, Audrii.

Matthews expressed her feelings to Houston ABC station KTRK, stating, «There are no words for it. Feeling shattered, confused, lost, and empty. And right now, I’m empty.»

Lyons expressed his hope and prayers for Audrii’s well-being.

Audrii, standing at 4-foot-1 with blond hair and blue eyes, weighs around 75 pounds. She was last seen in a black hoodie with white lettering, a camouflage backpack, black pants, and black high-top tennis shoes.

The reward has now been raised to $10,000! If you have any information, please contact the Polk County Sheriff’s Office at 936-327-6810.