When nine-year-old Harshail Kumar was reported missing from an apartment complex along Montague Expressway, the Milpitas Police Department mobilized an immediate emergency response. What began as a high-stakes search involving local community volunteers, ground teams, and aerial surveillance quickly shifted into a criminal investigation when authorities discovered the disappearance was entirely fabricated by the child's mother.
The case highlights how law enforcement agencies process critical missing persons alerts, deploy resources, and handle false reports. Understanding the timeline and investigative steps provides clarity on how the Milpitas Police Department managed the incident from the initial emergency call to the subsequent arrest.
Timeline of the Milpitas Police Response
The incident unfolded over July 3 and July 4, 2025. On the morning of July 3, Rohnita Prasad contacted law enforcement to report that her nine-year-old son, Harshail Kumar, was missing. She stated he was last seen around 10:15 a.m. near the 750 block of Montague Expressway, close to the Milpitas BART station.
Because the subject was a young child, the Milpitas Police Department treated the report with immediate urgency. Officers saturated the surrounding neighborhoods, reviewed local surveillance feeds, and issued public safety alerts seeking community assistance.
Within roughly 24 to 36 hours, investigators uncovered critical inconsistencies in the narrative. By Friday afternoon and into Saturday, police confirmed that the boy had been located safe, but revealed that the emergency had been staged. Investigators determined that the mother had filed a false missing person report and concealed the child during the search effort.
The Investigation and Charges Filed
Following the discovery that the child was safe and the report was fraudulent, the Milpitas Police Department arrested the mother. She was booked into county jail on specific criminal complaints, including:
- Filing a false police report
- Child endangerment
- Intimidating or dissuading a witness or victim
The Santa Clara County Department of Family and Children Services (DFCS) stepped in immediately following the arrest to evaluate the situation and secure appropriate, safe placement for the child. Local officials emphasized that public safety resources rely entirely on truthful reporting, and abusing emergency response systems diverts critical personnel away from actual community crises.
Police Protocol for Missing Child Cases
When a missing child report is filed, law enforcement agencies follow strict operational guidelines designed to maximize rescue speed. Knowing these protocols explains why an intense police presence occurs so rapidly:
- Immediate Classification: Any report involving a minor, particularly under the age of ten, is classified as a high-priority critical incident.
- Resource Allocation: Agencies deploy patrol units, canine units, and aerial support while simultaneously coordinating with regional transit authorities, such as the Bay Area Rapid Transit system, if the last known location is near a transit hub.
- Public Dissemination: Alerts are pushed to media outlets and local communities via platforms like KTVU to harness public eyes on the ground.
- Verifying Statements: Detectives simultaneously review security cameras, interview household members, and cross-reference statements to verify timelines.
Frequently Asked Questions
Where was Harshail Kumar found?
The child was located safe within the city of Milpitas after police and community members conducted extensive searches.
Why did the mother fabricate the report?
Law enforcement and local reports indicated that the underlying motives tied into personal and familial disputes, though details regarding the exact personal catalysts remained part of the confidential family court and law enforcement records.
What happens to resources spent on false police reports?
When an agency deploys search and rescue teams based on false information, municipalities can pursue criminal charges for misuse of emergency services, alongside child endangerment counts if a child's welfare or stability was compromised during the incident.
How does the public report tips in Milpitas?
For legitimate emergencies or ongoing public safety concerns, residents can contact the Milpitas Police Department directly through their official channels or dial 911.
