Wireless carriers now sending alerts

AUSTIN (KXAN) - The Amber Alert issued this week by the San Antonio Police Department for an 11-month-old that was taken by his father was being pushed Tuesday by way of a new program from the wireless industry and the federal government.

Police say Jonathan Guillen, 23, took off with his son, Jonathan Jose Guillen Jr., after Guillen shot and killed the child's mother's estranged boyfriend last Thursday. The two were last seen in the 2300 block of Austin Highway.

Not long after the wireless-device push, authorities said the vehicle the child was last seen in had been located. No additional details were provided, so it was unclear in the boy had been found.

Wireless service providers and the federal government launched the system in June to automatically warn cell phone users of threats in the form of a text message.

"I think it is a wonderful idea, if one of mine were missing I would want everyone in the world looking for them, " said Donna Miller.

Warnings are location-based, so recipients will get alerts for the area where they currently are, rather than for their home or place where the phone is registered.

Cell phone towers broadcast the messages to anyone within range. It's one-way communication, so no one is tracking the locations of cell phone users.

The messages are limited to 90 characters and include a simple warning, not extensive information about the threat.

Not every thinks the updated mobile alert system is a good idea.

"When I get something from a carrier, I don't really read it, " said a UT student.

Customers should check with their wireless providers to find out if their phones will receive the messages. And, if they don't wish to receive the alerts, they will have to opt out of the system.

Child's description:

Police said they are searching for a 2002 black Chevy Trail Blazer. The SUV has Texas license plates with the number 7CZTJ and a bottom plate with the word "disabled" on it.

Anyone with information on his whereabouts is urged to contact the San Antonio Police Department’s Missing Persons Unit at 210-207-7660.